US (MO): Lettuce Dream harvests first crop
The growing process takes six weeks and each week new seeds are sown ensuring a consistent supply of plants. In addition to lettuce, the foundation grows basil, butterhead lettuce and mini romaine.
Shoppers can purchase the produce at Maryville Hy-Vee and can expect the plants to have a root ball. This root ball helps the plants stay fresh longer than conventional lettuce. Kawasaki is also purchasing the lettuce for use in its food service department which provides meals for employees.
Once the growing operation is running smoothly, the foundation will begin to incorporate individuals with special needs as employees. The goal for the foundation is to create a place to help those with special needs gain skills necessary to thrive in the workplace. These individuals will learn people and greenhouse skills. Staff members hope the program will allow them to work in places like Hy-Vee’s produce department and plant nurseries.
Currently, the foundation has one volunteer with special needs who is helping them fine tune the program. Staff members are learning which details they need to refine before launching employee training.
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