Youth L.E.A.D. Miami: Mission & Goals
Youth L.E.A.D. (YL) is a nonprofit "food justice"organization. We believe that access to healthy food and green spaces is every-one's right and should not be limited by income, neighborhood, race, or class.
The Mission of Youth L.E.A.D. Miami is to create healthy, environmentally sustainable, and equitable schools and communities throughout Miami-Dade County. Our goal is a coalition of empowered youth activists who effectively address food and environmental justice issues in under-served communities.
Youth L.E.A.D.'s Goal is to develop a coalition of empowered youth activists who diagnose and solve food justice and environmental justice issues in their communities.
Youth L.E.A.D. Miami: Program's & Services
After-school Program: The "Activist Academy" is a 4-month training that includes field trips, food preparation classes, community outreach, guest speakers, and hands-on activities. Youth meet once per week after-school in Liberty City, Opa Locka, or Overtown to learn how to increase access to healthy foods and green spaces in their environments while adopting healthy and eco-friendly habits. The Program runs from September through December of each year. Click here to sign up!
Paid Apprenticeships for Teens: Selected youth who successfully complete the Activist Academy are promoted to paid apprenticeship positions at farmers' markets and community gardens from January through May. Positions may also include community outreach to promote these healthy food outlets.
Community Outreach & Research: Trained youth outreach workers conduct surveys among community residents to gather their feedback concerning food, health, and the food outlets in their neighborhoods. This feedback helps inform Youth L.E.A.D. and partners of community needs and desires.
Cooking classes: Sign up for one of our upcoming adult cooking classes or schedule a food demonstration at your church, mosque, school, community center, or event. All classes and demos are taught by local, celebrity chefs and include 2-3 recipes that highlight locally-grown, seasonal, organic ingredients. Classes are $85/person (inquire about discounts), and food demo prices are tailored to each event. All proceeds support Youth L.E.A.D.'s after-school and youth employment programs in Liberty City and Opa Locka.
Student Features and Youth Mentors
- Peer Mentors Chosen
- Browse Featured Student of Month
- Read what YL youth apprentices have to say about YL and food justice in their communities.
