ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A group of young people spent their winter break learning farm-to-table skills through Farmer Fredo’s Fall 2025 “Fresh Roots Rising” Youth Program.

The participants chose to use their break time learning how to serve the community and develop workforce skills rather than pursuing other activities.

“Even though we’re on break, there’s somebody at home that is trying to figure out where their next meal is going to come from,” said Farmer Fredo. “And so by us getting up and learning how to cook or learn how to prepare these meals, we’re helping somebody have an easier holiday experience.”

The program began with participants growing their own collard greens. They learned harvesting and processing techniques while absorbing lessons about agricultural history.

“We deal a lot with agriculture, so I definitely learned more about hands-on with growing plants and how to grow them, how to irrigate them,” said Isaiah Smith, a participant. “So when it comes to the whole agriculture part, I definitely grow in that.”

The group trained in a commercial kitchen, cooking the food they grew and selling it to the public as “Prosperity Plates” for $6.99. Wingbox and Seafood Co. of Albany provided their kitchen and staff, with the owner running a program to teach the responsibilities of food service.

“Because at a young age, it is harder to be focused on certain things when you do want to do other things like talk to your friends and stuff,” said another participant, Averiana Jones.

Farmer Fredo said every job in the operation is important, and everyone plays a part.

“It shows the importance of teamwork and communication,” he said. “And if these young people can walk away with the understanding that ‘I need the person next to me.’ And if I can speak to them... Like, that’s a simple ingredient for making just a better overall community, right? And it’s done as simple as ‘let me just feed the person that’s next to me or that comes into our restaurant.’”

The volunteers plan to continue their community service on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 19, for their next food distribution.

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