Sophie
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Teens Gain Hands-On Experience in Food Justice Work as Part of Summer Teen Leadership Program
Over two dozen teens in rain jackets fanned out across the garden beds at Marra Farms, working steadily through a summer rain. Some crouched close to the ground harvesting zucchini, carrots, and squash. Others reached up along a trellis heavy with string beans, filling their baskets. All of the food they picked would later be distributed to the community through local food pantries.
While most teens were enjoying summer break, these teens were volunteering, building leadership skills, and learning about the mission of Food Lifeline as part of the Summer Teen Leadership Program. Fifty students ages 14-18 from high schools throughout the Seattle area participated in the program this year–the second year it was offered, averaging 25 hours of service hours each. The program offered a variety of educational workshops focused on the mission of Food Lifeline, opportunities to build leadership skills, and volunteer sessions to support food justice.
While teens participated in several sort and repack sessions at Food Lifeline, Solid Ground’s Giving Garden at Marra Farms, just down the street from Food Lifeline in South Park, provided an opportunity for students to get hands-on experience harvesting vegetables to be distributed to local food banks. Teens loved working in the dirt and helping to harvest a giant pile of fresh vegetables for their community.
We love working with teens and firmly believe that by educating and involving them in our mission—and empowering them to engage with their communities and advocate for change—they grow into compassionate leaders committed to advancing food security for everyone.
Renée DeRosier, Volunteer Engagement Director
Teens also had a chance to delve more deeply into food justice through a series of workshops on community engagement, advocacy, and food partnerships and environmentalism. And they gained valuable career skills through workshops on resume building and event planning.
Teens enjoyed meeting other teens interested in social justice work, being able to see the behind the scenes at Food Lifeline, and gaining a deeper understanding of how our food distribution system operates. The workshops on the root causes of hunger inspired them to get more involved in the food justice movement, and to think about innovative solutions. Students finished the summer program empowered to help build resilient food systems in their own communities.
We’re inspired by these future leaders and look forward to offering more teen programs going forward! Stay tuned for details!
My favorite part of this program is the Teen Production Corps, when you can help out. And just volunteering with Food Lifeline and helping everyone. It’s been fun seeing the behind the scenes.
I care about my community and I think food is something that everybody should have no matter what. I like to know that I’m helping to do something that puts food on people’s tables.
Maizie
I’ve been volunteering for years at the Sort & Pack events, and wanted to learn more about the behind the scenes and what FL does. In the workshops we got to learn a lot from people that work at Food Lifeline about what they do.
Erica
Doing little things can make a big change for families, even if you don’t see it. It will still help someone.
Keegan
I wanted to learn more about food insecurity and how I can help. It’s one of the top problems in the U.S., but we don’t care enough about it. The lesson I’m taking away is to help people however I can.
Preston
I learned how many people are actually experiencing food insecurity. There’s so much food being packed. Even though we’re one of the richest countries, it’s a problem everywhere.
Kaushik
It’s good to help the community. When other people can’t have food but we can. We need to spread the kindness.”
Oliver
I’ve worked at a few food banks previously. There’s so many opportunities here-nothing’s the same each time. There are lots of skill-based activities. I would definitely recommend it.
Justine
I’ve been working with food banks and learning about food insecurity, and joined this program because I was interested in giving back to the community. Food insecurity is a big problem throughout the US and Food Lifeline is at the core of spreading the word.
Kailey
