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Youth: Agents of Food Systems Change

Food is one of those really beautiful and really rare things in this world that we all have in common. Regardless of age or location, regardless of ethnicity or wealth, we all need food to survive. Unfortunately, the past few decades have resulted in industrialized food systems that have been costly for our health and the environment. Monocrops leading to widespread pesticide use and soil degradation; contamination of air, water, and land; production of low-nutrient foods in excessive quantities; inequities and workplace hazards. There is no shortage of grievances against current farming practices that dominate most of the world today. 

We really are at a crossroads, and we need innovation to move ourselves towards sustainable food systems instead of on the path to further destruction. And which path we take will be largely decided by... youth. Youth participation in decision-making is vital, and in order for this to happen, there have to be changes made to the system so that their voices may be heard. This generation of young people alive today is the largest cohort of adolescents to ever live on Earth. We should be fostering and empowering new voices in this space (and there are so many voices waiting to be heard!). But how do we do that effectively? 

The first step could be as simple as this: provide opportunities for youth engagement in food systems. Give young people the space and the tools needed to explore what our food systems are made up of, how they operate, where the unsustainable practices lie, and what possibilities exist to transform them. Ensure that there is knowledge and understanding of what we’re up against. 

Our School Food Gardens project is well on its way towards this goal with its new Youth in Food Systems program. Facilitated by our team of coordinators, this program provides self-directed, inquiry based roles for high school students across Ontario to learn about food, and communicate their learnings with peers through various mediums. Furthermore, our youth team has opportunities to put learning into action, explore food systems careers, and get their hands dirty in the garden.

What comes after this? 

The battle doesn’t end with an increased knowledge base, or with more youth engaged in our food systems. Systemic change is challenging, and doesn’t happen overnight. It’s usually a long, drawn out process, and the clock is ticking. But change can happen in a single generation. Here are some guiding principles that can evoke systemic change: 

1. Convene people who understand and care about the issues.

2. Reimagine the system. 

3. Find opportunities to work towards that reimagined system. 

4. Experiment new ways of doing things, and track the results. 

5. Communicate a coherent story. 

6. Build strong partnerships. 

If you’re reading this, chances are you care to see our food systems transformed. Do you want to support youth engagement in sustainable food? You can do so in a number of ways: 

• Learn about Canadian food systems 

• Sign up for the monthly newsletter

• Read the youth-led blog 

• Watch the Interview Series

• Get in touch! 

• Make a donation 

Happy holidays!

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