ShopRite of Old Bridge becomes 2nd store to launch Paradise Salad

From left: Kristen Apen, area executive director of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, Autism Speaks; Nico Sumas, co-president, Village Supermarket; Nziah Jackson, customer service manager, ShopRite of Old Bridge; Ryan Peters, associate, ShopRite of Old Bridge; Perry Blatt, third-generation Sumas family member and owner, Village Supermarket; Taina Angeles, associate, Shoprite of Old Bridge; Thomas Ramsden, associate, Shoprite of Old Bridge; and Kirsten Quigley, associate, Shoprite of Old Bridge.

In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, the Sumas family, owners of the ShopRite of Old Bridge, donated $45,000 to Autism Speaks. From left: Kristen Apen, area executive director of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, Autism Speaks; Nico Sumas, co-president, Village Supermarket; Nziah Jackson, customer service manager, ShopRite of Old Bridge; Ryan Peters, associate, ShopRite of Old Bridge; Perry Blatt, third-generation Sumas family member and owner, Village Supermarket; Taina Angeles, associate, Shoprite of Old Bridge; Thomas Ramsden, associate, Shoprite of Old Bridge; and Kirsten Quigley, associate, Shoprite of Old Bridge. - PROVIDED BY BML PUBLIC RELATIONS

Village Super Markets offers greens grown by young adults with autism at Somerset Hills Learning Institute

Kimberly Redmond//April 4, 2024//

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ShopRite’s brand-new supermarket in Old Bridge is the second Village Super Markets Inc.-owned store to launch a salad blend grown by young adults with autism at Somerset Hills Learning Institute.

Produced at Three Meadows Farms’ hydroponic greenhouse in Bedminster, Paradise Salad debuted April 2 at the store.

As the first product sustainably grown, harvested and packed by students enrolled in the hydroponics career training program, Paradise Salad features lettuce, sorrel, radish microgreens and nasturtium. The flavor profile offers a unique and peppery taste with spicy, tangy and slightly sweet notes.

In January, Village Super Market’s ShopRite of Chester became the first retail location to carry Paradise Salad.

Helping hands

In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, the Sumas family, owners of the ShopRite of Old Bridge, donated $45,000 to Autism Speaks and celebrated the launch of Paradise Salad, a product of Three Meadows Farm that is grown, harvested and packaged by young adults with autism from the Somerset Hills Learning Institute in Bedminster. — Paradise Salad is a product of Three Meadows Farm that is grown, harvested and packaged by young adults with autism from the Somerset Hills Learning Institute in Bedminster. – PROVIDED BY BML PUBLIC RELATIONS

According to the grocer, produce buyers have been working with the farm to help navigate the process of bringing a local product to market. The company hopes to help Three Meadows Farm expand its offerings.

Perry Blatt, director of e-commerce and business development for Village Super Market, described the relationship as “more than just another business partnership.”

“It is about elevating the work of an incredible organization that is providing life changing opportunities for young adults with autism,” she said. “Every Paradise Salad sold supports that mission and we could not be prouder to feature this product on our shelves.”

Somerset Hills Learning Institute is a private, nonprofit program that provides services and education to children, adolescents and young adults with autism. Since acquiring Three Meadows Farm in 2016, the school has used it as a learning site for students as well as career training. It is a key part of the school’s curriculum.

The latest launch coincides with World Autism Awareness Day. In recognition, the Sumas family, which owns and operates Village Super Market, donated $45,000 to Autism Speaks, a nonprofit autism awareness and research organization.