By: Pamela Honey
Ezra’s Exploration of Food Justice and Sustainability
How a 7th Grader’s Passion for Food Justice is Growing at TFFJ
At just 12 years old, Ezra D., a 7th grader at the Urban Assembly Unison School, has discovered a world of sustainable farming and food justice that’s transforming his view of food and community. Through Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ), Ezra is learning to grow food and advocate for equal access to healthy, nutritious options for everyone.
From Curiosity to Commitment: Discovering TFFJ
Ezra’s journey with TFFJ began in 6th grade when he chose an after-school program. Intrigued by farming, he decided to give it a try. “I thought it sounded like a cool thing, so I checked it off,” Ezra recalls. That simple choice sparked a passion for sustainable farming and food justice.
Hydroponic Farming: A New Way to Grow
Ezra’s favorite part of his TFFJ journey has been exploring hydroponic farming—a method of growing food without soil. “Learning about hydroponics has been really helpful,” Ezra says. “I didn’t know much about growing food without soil before.” He’s captivated by how this innovative technique enables year-round farming without relying on traditional seasons. Ezra was especially surprised to learn that even crops like cucumbers can thrive in hydroponic systems. “I didn’t think you could grow cucumbers in a hydro system, but you can,” he shares.
“It’s all about understanding how to grow food without soil, which I didn’t know much about before.”
Food Justice: Understanding the Broader Impact of Food
TFFJ has also introduced Ezra to the powerful concept of food justice. To him, food justice isn’t just about growing food—it’s about ensuring everyone can access healthy, nutritious options. “Food justice means everyone having equal opportunity to get healthy food that satisfies nutritional requirements,” Ezra explains. He recognizes the profound impact that food access can have on a person’s ability to succeed, both academically and in life. “It’s harder to achieve anything if you’re not properly fueled,” he notes.
“Food justice means everyone having equal opportunity to get healthy food that satisfies nutritional requirements”
Life Skills for the Future: Cooking, Community, and Sustainability
Ezra’s experience with TFFJ goes beyond farming; it’s also about gaining essential life skills. “I’m learning how to make healthier choices and how to cook food,” he shares. These lessons are especially important in a city like New York, where many people live alone and need to cook for themselves.
Ezra also appreciates TFFJ’s food distribution efforts. “They’re giving healthy food to the community, which is really important,” he says, highlighting how TFFJ helps fight local food insecurity.
Connecting Food Justice and Sustainability
Through his experiences at TFFJ, Ezra has come to understand the link between food justice and sustainability. Hydroponic farming isn’t just a way to grow food—it’s a sustainable solution to food insecurity. “You don’t have to depend on the seasons to grow food in a hydroponic system,” Ezra explains, highlighting how hydroponics offers a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to traditional farming methods. His understanding of sustainability extends to how these practices can reduce environmental impact, showing that the future of food doesn’t have to rely on harmful practices.
“You don’t have to depend on the seasons to grow food in a hydroponic system”
A New Perspective: Food Justice and Empowerment
Before joining TFFJ, Ezra didn’t fully grasp the challenges of food justice. “I didn’t know much about food justice before this,” he admits. Now, he understands how many communities experience food insecurity and inequality. “It makes me feel sad. But you can’t change anything if you don’t know about it,” he reflects. By learning about food justice, Ezra has taken the first step toward becoming an advocate for change, believing that knowledge is the first key to making a difference.
“I didn’t know much about food justice before this. It makes me feel sad. But you can’t change anything if you don’t know about it”
Building a Better World Through Food
Ezra’s experience with TFFJ has empowered him to make more informed choices about food and sustainability, shaping how he views the world around him. “If I didn’t learn about this, I wouldn’t have the knowledge about what plants need to grow or even how to cook healthy food,” he says. “It’s knowledge I wouldn’t have otherwise.” With the skills he’s gained through TFFJ, Ezra is poised to become a champion for food justice and a leader in sustainable practices. His journey is just beginning, but it’s already clear that the future of food justice is in good hands.❦
Pamela Honey is the Communications & Content Coordinator at Teens For Food Justice.
