Superstores around Halifax will sell Hope Blooms salad dressings

Hope Blooms salad dressings will be sold at Atlantic Superstores around Halifax, after a deal was struck Thursday with the parent-company Loblaw. 

The community group reached an agreement with Loblaw Thursday that all proceeds from the sales of the salad dressings will go directly to the Hope Blooms scholarship fund.

"We want you to succeed and we want to set you up for success as well," said Mark Boudreau, corporate affairs, director for Loblaw Atlantic.

"That's why we'll provide you over the course of the next six months with mentorships, training on public relations and merchandising: a whole range of things as you go on to your careers."

Superstore gives $10K for scholarships

Superstore also announced it would contribute $10,000 to start the Hope Blooms scholarship campaign.

The products, which come in four different flavours, will be sold at the Barrington Street and Joseph Howe Superstore locations in Halifax, the Portland Street Superstore in Dartmouth and at the Bedford Superstore. 

"We have a lot of youth in our program and we all plan on going on to post-secondary education," said Hope Blooms Junior Leader Mamadou Wade. "This is very big for us."

Hope Blooms grew from small roots

Six years ago Hope Blooms started as a small youth program growing vegetables for people in Halifax's north end.

Then it struck a big deal after an appearance on CBC's Dragon's Den in 2013.

Now more than 40 youth are involved, growing 900 kilograms each year since.

"As Nelson Mandela once said, 'Education is our greatest weapon in changing the course of history'," said Jessie Jollymore, executive director. "We believe we're making history here today."

Network of Prince Charles brokered deal

The collaboration is the first of its kind and brokered by the Prince's Canadian Responsible Business Network, which helps the private sector share resources and collaborate with local communities.

"I can assure you Prince Charles is really excited about this progress," network president Amanda Sherrington said.

Prince Charles and Camilla met with children at Hope Blooms in 2014.

"It's stories like this that get him excited about helping communities," Sherrington said.

The north end of Halifax is also the location of three pilot projects in Canada focused on youth employment.

The new salad dressing displays are up and running just in time for Christmas. More stores could be added later.