"Appropriate access to healthy food is a basic right. Yet, too often, the politics around food security prevent this basic need from becoming a reality," says Kathy Soll, CEO and founder of Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ). Ever since 2010, Teens for Food Justice has taken a stand against this injustice, establishing urban hydroponic farms within New York City schools to help address 'food insecurity'. They also educate and empower students to be involved in shaping the future of food.
Expanding the footprint of in-school farms
Through substantial funding, political will, and community support, TFFJ has strengthened its ability to expand its network across New York State. By the end of 2024, the organization will be operating eight farms across the Empire State, serving 22 schools. Kathy is confident about managing the expansion, noting that this year's rollout includes a new farm set to launch in just a month, and two more will be added soon after. The program's footprint is growing, with three more farms expected by the end of the 2024-25 school year.
One of these upcoming farms will be on Manhattan's Lower East Side, while two others will serve schools in Far Rockaway, Queens. "These new farms are part of an exciting regional hub," Kathy shares. Collaborating with USDA and New York state funding, TFFJ aims to strengthen the local impact of urban farming in underserved areas. "By bringing these farms to life, we want to form a network across the Far Rockaway peninsula that could yield up to 30,000 pounds of fresh produce annually, which translates into feeding over 5,000 students and their families."
Food policy internship and elective course
"An essential part of TFFJ's mission goes beyond food access to fostering student advocacy," says Gabrielle Mosquera, TFFJ's Deputy Director. The organization recently launched a food policy internship in collaboration with the Center for Science in the Public Interest, focused on 'developing young advocates'. The internship welcomed students from Manhattan's Martin Luther King Jr. Campus. Here, students delved into food policy and 'power dynamics', learning how laws impact food access in their communities.
"After learning about legislation and advocacy over eight weeks, the students presented their findings at an event for lobbyists and policymakers, celebrating the internship's success and securing funding to continue and expand it," Kathy proudly adds. Positioned at the head of the organization, she hopes to transform the program into an elective course, giving students a semester-long insight into food policy and advocacy.
A group of students working in the farm
Community impact
This hands-on approach extends into classrooms. Hundreds of students engage with TFFJ's vertical farms every day through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) classes and extracurricular clubs. "For instance, in a recent biology class, students explored the water cycle and nutrient management by testing different hydroponic solutions." As for culinary clubs, students meet at the farm where they will be using fresh harvests in recipes which are later on shared with friends and family.
Through partnerships with teachers, TFFJ provides the resources and equipment needed to make lessons accessible. "While our farms are designed as commercial-scale operations, this hands-on exposure teaches students skills beyond farming, including data systems management, health, and nutrition," Kathy explains. A side benefit from these programs is that students gain experience in bringing the produce to campus cafeterias and receive take-home bags for local, or their own families.
Kathy highlights one of the organization's latest projects, the Far Rockaway Farm Hub, underscoring its expansive community impact across 80 city blocks. 'This initiative spans multiple schools in the Rockaways, where students operate hydroponic farms that yield fresh produce year-round,' Kathy explains. 'The Rockaway farms alone are projected to serve over 3,500 students and their families, bringing fresh, nutritious food directly to areas with limited access. By partnering with community centers, including senior centers, we distribute vegetables across local neighborhoods, strengthening ties between schools and residents. These youth-led farms go beyond food production—they engage students in hands-on STEM learning and food justice advocacy, empowering them to make a tangible difference in their own community.'"
Addressing a broad food policy landscape
Kathy adds, "It's inspiring to see students take pride in becoming agents of change. And without a doubt, that's what TFFJ has been standing for since its inception. "TFFJ's commitment to systemic change extends to addressing the broader food policy landscape. Many families face increasing food insecurity due to rising costs and cuts to pandemic-era support programs. Our model aims to equip young people with knowledge and tools to drive change and ensure that access to healthy food becomes a societal norm, not a privilege," she concludes.
For more information:
Teens for Food Justice
Emily Miller, Director of Development and Communications
[email protected]
https://teensforfoodjustice.org