We are pleased to share that in 2022 Equity Advocates launched a Youth Food Justice Organizers program for young New Yorkers to learn about food policy and engage in advocacy to advance food justice in communities across NYC. With support from Levitt Foundation, we partnered with Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) to recruit a cohort of 6 young New Yorkers, aged 14 to 22, who are committed to deepening their food policy knowledge and advocacy skills to build a more just food system.

In March, the youth cohort reviewed Mayor Eric Adams’ preliminary budget and used their newfound advocacy skills to write and submit written testimony urging NYC City Council Members to fully fund and restore curbside and community composting programs in the budget.

Our Youth Food Justice Organizer designed the program to provide the foundational advocacy skills and knowledge so these young people can actively engage in food justice advocacy campaigns in partnership with the NYC Food Policy Alliance. During our 8-month program, we meet biweekly to learn about food policy and local food governance, including workshops on the NYC budget and food funding, how to provide testimony at a City Council hearing, and best practices for meeting with policy makers.

Special thanks to Levitt Foundation for its support of this work.