By: Aliya Brown
Inspired by her experience on TFFJ/Whole Kids Foundation Farm at the MLK, Jr. Educational Campus, Special Music School student Roselyn, embarked on an exciting journey this year to promote sustainable agriculture and food security.
Roselyn’s enthusiasm for sustainable food systems was ignited by her participation in the Teens for Food Justice program. Utilizing what she learned in the program, she decided to take action by creating and leading a DIY Kratky System workshop for her local library in partnership with Everything Starts Small, a nonprofit that aims to build a more sustainable future, and inspire and support youth to make the environmental changes they feel are lacking in their communities.
Teens for Food Justice is a program that educates and empowers young people to combat food insecurity and promote sustainable agriculture in their communities.TFFJ provides students with the knowledge and tools to address these critical issues, instilling a sense of responsibility for the environment and the well-being of their community members.
Roselyn, a bright and determined high school student, was drawn to the program’s mission from the start. She recognized the significance of sustainable food systems, both for environmental reasons and for the wellbeing of her community. Her experience with Teens for Food Justice was transformative, opening her eyes to the potential for positive change within her own neighborhood.
One of the core principles of Teens for Food Justice is to encourage students to take the lead in their communities. Inspired by the DIY hydroponic systems she learned about in the program, she decided to bring this innovative farming method to her local library.
Roselyn envisioned a DIY hydroponic system workshop that could provide her community with new tools, and allow them to experiment with hydroponic growing at home. The Kratky System workshop would not only help to address the issue of food insecurity, but also serve as a valuable educational tool. Roselyn connected with Senior Farmer-Educator Alyssa Gardner-Vazquez and other members of the TFFJ team to inquire about the supplies needed to facilitate the activity. The workshop was a testament to the transformative power of Teens for Food Justice, and its impact on students and local communities.
Roselyn’s journey as a Teens for Food Justice participant to a community leader highlights the potential of young individuals to drive change in their communities. Her DIY hydroponic system workshop has not only empowered members of her local community to grow their own food, but it also demonstrated the power of young people to lead and enact change in their own neighborhoods.
As Roselyn continues her education and activism, it’s clear that her passion for food justice and sustainable agriculture will have a lasting impact on her community and beyond. She serves as an inspiring example of how one young person’s vision and determination can transform a community and, in turn, contribute to a more sustainable and food-secure future for all. Teens for Food Justice has indeed sown the seeds of a brighter, more sustainable world through students like Roselyn.
Aliya Brown is the Senior Communications & Content Manager at Teens For Food Justice.
