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ShopRite of Chester is now selling a new salad blend grown by students with autism who are part of Somerset Hills Learning Institute‘s hydroponics career training program.

Produced at Three Meadows Farm‘s hydroponic greenhouse in Bedminster, Paradise Salad hit the shelves at the Village Super Market Inc.-owned store Jan. 19. It is it the first retail location to carry the item.

As the first salad sustainably grown, harvested and packed by young adults, Paradise Salad features a blend of lettuce, sorrel, radish microgreens and nasturtium, offering a unique and peppery flavor profile accented by a combination of spicy, tangy and slightly sweet notes.

According to Village Super Market, ShopRite of Chester’s produce buyer worked with the farm to help navigate the process of bringing the local product to market, with the goal to help Three Meadows Farm further expand its offerings.

Perry Blatt, director of e-commerce and business development for family-owned Village Super Market, said, “We love nothing more than working with local farms to bring the freshest produce possible to the community of Chester.”

“And our relationship with Three Meadows Farm is more than just another business partnership – it is about elevating the work of an incredible organization that is providing life changing opportunities to young adults with autism. Every Paradise Salad sold at the ShopRite of Chester supports that mission, and we could not be prouder to feature this product on our shelves. We congratulate every student for their hard work and look forward to growing with Three Meadows Farm as they bring new product to market,” Blatt continued.

Based in Bedminster, Somerset Hills Learning Institute is a private, nonprofit program that offers services and education to children, adolescents and young adults with autism.

Since acquiring the farm in 2016, Somerset Hills Learning Institute has utilized it as a learning site for students as well as career training — a key part of the school’s curriculum.

Through its specialized program aimed at increasing employment opportunities, Three Meadows Farm provides students with an opportunity to experience job readiness skills, like farming, gardening and greenhouse cultivation.

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