Causing a disruption in the NYC food system is not simply the work of one group of people, but instead of multiple generations of neighborhoods organizing and mobilizing for change. As activists learn about food systems, they begin to apply a social justice and human rights lens to their world. Our activists form community organizing committees to create solutions to issues that impact them and their community. Youth in the Concourse Section of the Bronx are organizing the community to make a dangerous street intersection safe by demanding a traffic light it installed. As youth learn about youth-led social justice movements in history and presently, they are become activated demand justice in their own lives and communities.
Freedom Cooking: In order for our community to eat better, there needs to be more spaces where they can learn how to prepare the same foods they are producing in their local community and/or rooftop garden. Our “Freedom Cooking” classes teach youth how to cook locally sourced, seasonal foods using ingredients they can find in the own pantries and spice closets at home. These cooking classes provide a space for young people to cook meals and to bring their creations back home to their friends and family.
Social Lens Project: Partnering with local, Bronx-native film makers, we teach youth about the science of film making. We also use this program to host movie nights debuting movies made by local filmmakers and even our own youth activists.