(This article published in the May 2019 issue of Neapolitan Family (page 10). Read the digital issue here.)

Taste of Immokalee, a social business created and operated by high school students, will have its line of salsa and sauces on the shelves in 200 Publix stores by the end of May.

The products already are available in select Publix stores in Collier and Lee counties, but Taste of Immokalee’s inclusion in the Publix Florida Local Program will expand its distribution across the state. The salsas and sauces can be found on the “But Local” shelves at Publix.

Taste of Immokalee products are unique not only because teen entrepreneurs are behind the business, but also because the profits are used to support youth programs and alleviate poverty in Immokalee.

“Immokalee is one of the poorest communities in Florida; it is also home to many of our students,” said Marie Capita, executive director of Taste of Immokalee. “Their passion for Taste of Immokalee is driven equally by their desire to learn the skills needed to succeed in business, and to make an impact and break the cycle of poverty that is rampant in their hometown.”

For more informaton, visit www.tasteofimmokalee.com.