The Lemonade Stand: A Social and Environmental Initiative

A lemonade stand is rather a simple concept; however, its social and environmental impact within a small community can be revolutionary.  I believe that the Lemonade Stand would reside best in a low-income community with a vast diversity, thus to bring together different types of people, and have the greatest involvement from individuals.  The three groups I would like to involve to achieve true impact are the local elementary schools, the community garden volunteers, and a local youth home. 

First off, the local secondary schools are full of children that are malleable and subject to facing the many struggles associated with the likelihood of being from a low-income household.  By involving these children, it will guide them to connect with other members in their community as well as avoid the at home struggles.  In addition, it may be a way to keep children out of trouble, since crime rates are typically higher in low-income areas. By engaging these children by allowing them to work at the lemonade stand, it will also be a way for them to make their own income, giving them a sense of independence.  The impact of this action will be educating children on how to make mature life-decisions as well as inspire them to recognize their impact in the community.

If a community garden is present, I believe involving these volunteers is a way to catalyze a sustainability initiative within the Lemonade Stand.  The stand would work with the garden to sustainably source the ingredients for the product, as well as determine the most sustainable cups/straws for the Lemonade Stand.  In addition, I believe that if compostable materials are chosen, donating those used materials to the community garden would benefit them by providing a constant incoming source of fertilizer and compostable material: a crucial aspect of a community garden.  

The final group I would like to involve is a local youth home.  By donating a certain percentage of the profit of the Lemonade Stand to this home, it can be put towards the necessities that these homes often lack, and give a better start to homeless and orphaned children.  This initiative would be an example of positive social impact created by the Lemonade Stand.