This article originally published in Coastal Breeze News June 22, 2018

By Jodi Pree

Thanks to a two-year grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, the Taste of Immokalee (TOI) Summer Internship Program once again is open to all Collier County students. This year, the TOI Summer Internship consists of 17 paid interns, representing Immokalee, Palmetto, Gulf Coast, and Naples High Schools, who receive mentoring and business education along with hands-on experience running a company.

“During the summer program lasting June 6th through August 2nd, the interns are running the company. They are doing everything from human resources, finance, accounting, payroll, inventory, branding, and marketing,” explains Administrative Assistant Yvelande Astreide.

Taste of Immokalee products can be purchased online and are available in 18 Publix stores in Collier County. This summer, with a launch of new products, the TOI team is working toward getting their products into Lee County Publix stores, as well. The Taste of Immokalee products will also be sporting a new design thanks to a branding effort visually linking Immokalee agriculture with their products.

“I want to become a professional graphics designer. I am already a graphics designer here and am part of our marketing and branding team, but I want to become a professional graphics designer,” explains recent graduate, Wilvens Astreide. “I designed our new label which will appear on our new products. I wanted our new label to be eye-catching from the shelf. It was also important to show our ingredients and facts about the product, for example, fat free.”

Although the Taste of Immokalee program attracts future business leaders and entrepreneurs, the mission statement and vision as a benefit corporation attracts students with the desire to help their community.

“I have always had a passion for helping people. That’s why I want to become a nurse practitioner. When I heard about this program and how it helps the community, that’s why I want to help out,” expresses TOI intern Abigail Metayer.

A portion of all products sold go directly to the Immokalee community. The interns also work on fundraising efforts with baskets sold at Christmas and the Super Bowl with all proceeds benefitting various needs in their community. Last year, TOI raised $10,000 for Hurricane Irma Relief in Immokalee.

Taste of Immokalee began in 2013, when a group of students from Immokalee High School were returning to school after participating in a Meals of Hope event. As they passed the orange groves and tomato fields, an idea sparked. “What if we created food products from all this produce, and sold them so we can give back and help the hungry in our own community?”

As the answers to that powerful question began to unfold, Taste of Immokalee was born.

Founded by the 1 By 1 Leadership Foundation, Taste of Immokalee has grown into a successful social enterprise model. Under the guidance of mentors and business professionals, students create and sell delicious products inspired by the abundance of fresh produce in their community. Every product purchased reflects their culture, family recipes, and hope for an end to poverty in their community.

For more information, visit www.tasteofimmokalee.com.