Entrepreneurial Newark high school students create hot sauce, give back to community

It is getting hot in Newark – and not just because of the rising temperatures.
A hot sauce created by some business-savvy high school students is making its way to local farmer's markets. It is a new partnership that is helping to educate young minds and provides healthy food to the community.
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center’s Farmers Market was packed, despite the 90-degree weather. The weekly market has its own greenhouse on site. It has been filling a void in Newark.
“Newark Beth Israel has been committed to healthy eating in the city of Newark – considered a food desert,” says Darrell Terry, president and CEO of Newark Beth Israel.
As of this week, the hospital is also serving as a hands-on, real-life classroom for entrepreneurial high school students.
“Our club was created because we wanted kids at West Side to have an idea of how to start a business,” says incoming junior Roshaughn Barker.
Barker and his classmate Shamar Richards are members of the West Side Ave Business Club at Newark’s West Side High School.
“We’ve set up a commerce website. Kids started and maintain it and sell the products they make on there,” says business teacher Mark Mason.
One of the first products was Rider Heat Hot Sauce – now for sale at the Newark Beth Israel Farmers Market.
“We have our poblano, our chili and our jalapeno,” says Richards.
The students create, market and sell their products. The hot sauce was already a hit on the first day. It is hands-on experience that the students say they are thrilled to get, even on summer break – all while giving back to their community.
“It’s all-natural ingredients – by the community, for the community,” Richards says.
The money earned on produce goes back to the greenhouse. The hot sauce sales go back to the student entrepreneurs and their club.
The Newark Beth Israel Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. until Thanksgiving week.
The West Side Ave Business Club sells other products, along with the hot sauce on their website.