We wrapped up our first Youth Supper Club cohort with the inspiring youth from Brotherhood Sister Sol, a journey that has been filled with growth, learning, and community! Over the course of five weeks beginning in July, our youth participants engaged in deep conversations about the pressing issue of food insecurity, sharing their personal experiences and uncovering the complex connections between our food system and access to nutritious food.
Students concluded each “Table Talk” session by developing creative solutions and issuing a call to action. Their solutions included ideas like creating and amplifying similar programs to engage more youth in discussions, raise awareness, and build a sense of community and teamwork. During the nourishment portion of the supper club, students also explored and cooked culturally relevant recipes, including morro, Dominican pasta, plantain waffles, and come y bebe. This hands-on experience allowed them to connect with their cultural heritage while fostering teamwork and collaboration.
Learn more about the program below!
Week 1: Program Introduction
We kicked off our Youth Supper Club program by introducing students to the program’s mission, purpose, and upcoming experiences. Students were encouraged to provide feedback to shape the program, making it a collaborative effort from the start. We also discussed the concept of supper clubs, defining our own version and setting the foundation for the weeks ahead.
Week 2: Table Talk on Food Systems
The second week focused on our first “Table Talk” session, where students engaged in thought-provoking discussions about the broader food system. They explored critical questions such as how socioeconomic status and geographic location impact food access, and what the primary causes of food insecurity are in their communities. This session sparked insightful conversations about the complexities of food justice.
Week 3: Personal Experiences with Food Justice
In the third week, students deepened their discussions on food systems and food justice by sharing personal experiences. Some students reflected on their challenges in accessing fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant produce after moving to New York City. Others highlighted the importance of organizations like Brotherhood Sister Sol, which provided essential food support during the pandemic. These stories brought a personal perspective to the issues of food justice and access.
Week 4: Seed Sovereignty Activity
During Week 4, students participated in a seed sovereignty activity that emphasized the origins of various seeds and produce. Working collaboratively, they mapped the origins of different crops and brainstormed dishes featuring these ingredients. This activity increased students’ awareness of global food origins, nutritional value, and the staple dishes associated with different regions. By the end, they had a deeper understanding of key crops, their origins, and the diverse cuisines they support.
Week 5: Planning the Culminating Event
In the fifth week, students focused on planning the final session of the Youth Supper Club. They strategized how to share their journey and learnings with the community, setting the stage for a meaningful and impactful event.
Week 6: Culminating Event and Celebration
The final week culminated in a community event where students showcased what they learned throughout the program. They shared their knowledge and skills with the community and their peers through a skillshare, prepared some of their favorite dishes, and presented a short film documenting their journey through the weeks of the supper club. The event was a celebration of their hard work and growth, as well as an opportunity to reflect on their collective experiences.
Looking Forward
The YSC provided a valuable platform for our young participants to express their perspectives and experiences regarding food justice and our food system. It offered a space for meaningful dialogue, skill development, and community engagement. Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to the growing landscape of youth narratives and “food voices” within the food justice movement.
We are excited to extend this opportunity to more youth across New York City. Connect with us today to learn more about our YSC program or explore collaboration possibilities.
“Lettuce Cook!”
“Lettuce Cook!” is a short film that highlights the journey of our inaugural youth supper club cohort. The film features students actively preparing some of their favorite dishes while exploring their cultural significance, traditional preparation methods, and creative plant-based twists. It also showcases students participating in our “Table Talk” sessions, where they dive into meaningful conversations about food justice.