Innovative Student-Run Program Needs Community Votes to Win Changemakers Prize
Members of the Rise and Shine Program of the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County with fresh fruits and vegetables from their food distribution program.
A group of students from District schools are hoping their “Rise and Shine Program” will win a $5,000 prize being offered by a social enterprise and change agent organization. The community food distribution program was created and run by the students through their involvement in the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. Families and senior citizens pay an annual $10 membership fee and twice a month, they can purchase fresh food for a fraction of the normal cost.
For example, a $30 distribution might include a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and meats and ultimately provide a hefty supply of goods that could easily total twice that much. Young people from the Florence De George Boys and Girls Club initiated the project last year and are now mentoring a South County effort which is also being coordinated by District teens.
Rise & Shine Club youth includes Kadesha Baker from Boynton Beach High School, Telly Webb of Pahokee Middle/Senior High School, and Vonzie Moore of Royal Palm Beach High School. The program also includes:
Atlantic High
Ryan Guy
Kiana Johnson
Village Academy
Aaron Adderly
Anthony Adderly
Glades Central Community High School
Chenelle Brown
Jasmine Collins
Kelvin Greer
W.T. Dwyer High School
Rashard Koonce
Brandon Stevens
Laporsha Lewis
Davaris Brockington
Jonathan Moxey
Taylor Ambrose
Palm Beach Lakes High School
Brianna Hollins
Clynisha Clark
Inlet Grove Community High School
Monika Smith
The students’ program has been featured on the NBC Nightly News in their Making A Difference Program at the following link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/ns/nightly_news_with_brian_williams#32500185
They are also featured on the following YouTube PSA.
http://www.youtube.com/user/westpalmtv#p/u/0/KcCjRBax0Zc
The CommunityMatters and ASHOKA Communities are awarding three prizes for projects that generate the most votes for innovative solutions that demonstrate how citizens can connect and steer change to build stronger communities. To vote, click on http://www.changemakers.com/strongcommunities and vote for Rise & Shine. Voting concludes October 7th. (You will need to sign in if you are new to changemakers.com. It should about take 60 seconds.)
For further details, contact Vice President of Resource Development Lottie Gatewood, 561-683-3287 or email lgatewood@bgcpbc.org.
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