Welcome Cabin/Giftshop/CSA Hub Purpose: 

The Welcome Cabin/Giftshop/CSA Hub at the Urban Farm, located at 1000 S. Knob St., Temple, TX 76501, will serve as a vibrant entry point and community hub that connects visitors to the farm's mission, products, and programs. With Cultivate Academy-CTX as the driving force behind its operation, the space will integrate education, entrepreneurship, and sustainability to support the Urban Farm’s vision. Key activities in the Welcome Cabin/CSA/Gift Shop will include:

1. Visitor Reception and Information Hub

• Welcoming guests with a warm, engaging atmosphere, offering information about the Un-Included’s mission, programs, and events.

• Serving as a central point for farm tours, workshops, and community activities organized by Cultivate Academy-CTX.

• Displaying educational materials, infographics, and videos created by Cultivate Academy students to showcase the farm’s impact and sustainability initiatives.

2. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program

• Coordinating the Urban Farm’s CSA subscription service, allowing members to pick up weekly or bi-weekly shares of fresh, seasonal produce grown on-site.

• Providing CSA members with recipe cards, storage tips, and cooking demonstrations led by Cultivate Academy students, emphasizing the value of eating fresh, nutrient-dense foods.

• Integrating a student-managed system for tracking subscriptions, payments, and member communications, offering real-world business training for Cultivate Academy youth.

3. Retail Gift Shop

• Offering a curated selection of farm-grown products, including microgreens, seasonal produce, herbal teas, dried herbs, and preserved goods made on-site.

• Featuring handmade items crafted by Cultivate Academy students, such as gardening kits, educational booklets, and artisan gifts that reflect the farm’s mission.

• Selling branded merchandise like T-shirts, tote bags, and mugs to promote the Urban Farm and generate additional revenue.

4. Student-Led Business Operations

• Providing Cultivate Academy-CTX students with leadership roles in managing the shop’s operations, from inventory control and merchandising to customer service and financial tracking.

• Teaching principles of entrepreneurship, marketing, and retail management through hands-on experience.

• Encouraging students to analyze sales data and propose new products or services to meet customer needs.

5. Community Engagement and Education

• Hosting events such as cooking classes, gardening workshops, and seasonal celebrations in collaboration with the CSA program and other farm activities.

• Providing visitors with opportunities to learn about sustainable agriculture, food systems, and the importance of supporting local farms.

• Featuring displays about Cultivate Academy’s role in promoting wellness and sustainability through education and leadership.

6. Resource Hub for Local Food Access

• Acting as a distribution point for fresh produce to local food pantries, schools, and community organizations, ensuring surplus harvests benefit underserved populations.

• Collaborating with Cultivate Academy youth to develop innovative ways to improve food access and reduce food waste.

7. Supporting Sustainability and Farm Growth

• Reinforcing the Urban Farm’s financial sustainability by generating revenue through CSA subscriptions, gift shop sales, and donations.

• Highlighting the farm’s closed-loop systems, such as composting and renewable energy practices, to educate visitors about sustainability.

• Encouraging visitors to become long-term supporters of the farm by offering memberships, volunteer opportunities, and sponsorship options.

With Cultivate Academy-CTX at the heart of its operations, the Welcome Cabin/CSA/Gift Shop will embody the farm’s mission of promoting wellness, education, and community connection. By seamlessly integrating student-led business initiatives with community engagement, the space will not only sustain the farm but also inspire visitors to embrace a lifestyle centered around health, sustainability, and local agriculture.

Here’s a cost breakdown for setting up a small cabin gift shop/CSA hub/welcome center at your urban farm, including the specified items:

Cost Breakdown

1. 1000 T-Shirts (Positivi-tees)

• Material & Printing:

  • Basic cotton T-shirts with custom screen printing (front and back): $5–$8 per shirt.

  • Total for 1000 T-shirts: $5,000–$8,000

2. Glassfront Refrigerator

• Commercial Grade (Approx. 23 cubic ft.):

  • Single-door glassfront display refrigerator: $1,200–$2,000.

  • Energy-efficient models may cost slightly more.

  • Total: $1,200–$2,000

3. 5.7 Cubic Ft. Commercial Refrigerated Display Case

• Compact Display Case:

  • Ideal for showcasing microgreens or other fresh products.

  • Cost range: $1,000–$1,500.

  • Total: $1,000–$1,500

4. 10 Wire Shelving Units for Storage

• Heavy-Duty Wire Shelving (4-5 shelves per unit):

  • Standard size: 48" x 18" x 72".

  • Cost per unit: $100–$150.

  • Total for 10 Units: $1,000–$1,500

5. Nutrition and Wellness Focused Books

• Book Collection:

  • Average cost per book: $10–$25.

  • Initial collection of 50–100 books: $500–$2,500.

  • Total: $500–$2,500

6. Small Corner Counter for Welcome Area

• Counter Design:

  • Custom-built wooden or prefab corner counter: $500–$1,000.

  • Includes signage and basic materials.

  • Total: $500–$1,000

Overall Cost Estimate:

Item

Cost Range

1000 T-Shirts

$5,000–$8,000

Glassfront Refrigerator

$1,200–$2,000

Refrigerated Display Case

$1,000–$1,500

Wire Shelving Units (10)

$1,000–$1,500

Nutrition and Wellness Books

$500–$2,500

Corner Welcome Counter

$500–$1,000

Total Estimated Cost:

$9,200–$16,500

Notes:

• T-Shirts: Consider ordering in bulk for discounts or sourcing from local vendors to save shipping costs.

• Books: Partnering with local authors or wellness advocates may allow for book donations or discounts.

• Shelving Units: Opt for adjustable wire shelves to maximize storage flexibility.

• Refrigeration Units: Energy-efficient models may reduce long-term operational costs.

Would you like further details or recommendations on suppliers?