Centering Youth in the Movement to Transform San Diego County’s Food System

Why Get Youth Involved in Our Food System?

At the core of any true transformation is the understanding that it is our collective responsibility to drive change that honors a better world for those who will inherit it. Centering youth in the movement to transform our food system is not just a matter of inclusion–it’s about honoring the wisdom and energy of the next generation to drive the changes that we need. Youth are the builders of the future, and their creativity, vision and relationship to the work are essential in creating a food system that is both sustainable and rooted in justice.

Youth are far too often excluded from systems we are trying to change and the decision making process that directly impacts their futures. By centering youth, we recognize that they are not just the future, they are part of the now. The transformation we seek is not only about reimagining the food system but about dismantling the barriers that have kept youth at the margins.

We must lift up the voices and leadership of young people, planting seeds of a transformative food system that draws strength from intergenerational lessons, nourishes the present with purpose, and builds a future rooted in justice, sustainability, and resilience.

Cultivating a Shared Vision for Centering Youth

The San Diego Food System Alliance (The Alliance) is committed to building a just and sustainable food system where all voices are heard and valued—that includes the next generation of leaders. In partnership with the community, we developed San Diego County Food Vision 2030, a shared vision, plan, and movement for transforming our region’s food system over the next ten years. With three goals, ten objectives, and detailed strategies to inform policy, program, planning, and investment opportunities, Food Vision 2030 serves as a call to action and political compass as we work together toward a more equitable and resilient future for all.

As the next generation of food system leaders, youth are essential to making this vision a reality. Although some youth were engaged in the process of developing Food Vision 2030, there was a clear need for even more youth voices and leadership in implementation. In 2024 the Alliance initiated a process to better understand youth perspectives and experiences, and cultivate more pathways for youth to engage in food, justice, and climate work. This included convening youth leaders and youth centered organizations, documenting needs, challenges, and opportunities, and co-designing a vision that would guide future programs and initiatives. Through various listening sessions and coalition meetings, we engaged 44 youth and ten organizations in shaping a shared vision.

Our Shared Vison

Our vision is to center youth voices and issues in the movement to cultivate justice, fight climate change, and build resilience in San Diego County’s food system.

Our coalition of youth and youth leaders is committed to expanding opportunities for young people to explore intersections in food, justice, climate, and resilience—and to speak up for our collective future. We are committed to cultivating a strong community of support, and meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in and influence our regional food system; practice and shape their own careers in food; and connect with their power as the next generation transforming society.

We envision a future where youth perspectives are valued and respected, opportunities to deepen relationships with food and land are abundant, and wisdom flows seamlessly between generations.

_{Coalition Members: UC San Diego Center for Community Health, UC San Diego - YAC: Youth Advisory Council, The Global Arc - Ocean View Growing Grounds, The Global Arc - Young Environmental Justice Advocates Academy, Berry Good Food Foundation, San Diego State University, Second Chance Youth Garden, Olivewood Gardens Education & Learning Center, Foodshed Inc. and Coastal Roots Farm.}

Bridging the Gaps: Challenges & Opportunities

Through listening sessions and coalition meetings, we identified systemic barriers preventing youth from fully engaging in food system transformation.

What has this looked like in action?

This work is already taking root across San Diego County through powerful collaborations. What was initially a short term coalition to deepen our understanding of youth and the food system, has blossomed into lasting partnerships and growing programs.

• Inaugural Youth Summit: At the 2024 Annual Gathering, 45 students from Morse High School, the UCSD Reiss Fellowship, and other local schools gathered with over 500 regional leaders to share stories and ideas for how we can transform our food system together. Additionally, a youth centered session was hosted to elevate youth voices and youth-centered organizations. The dialogue explored how dismantling the silos between youth, adults, and elders, reminds us that we are all "ancestors in training" working toward a cooperative food future.

• Career Pathways: Organizations like Garden31, Indigenous Regeneration, and Foodshed offer hands-on apprenticeships, while Seeds@City and Mesa College are scaling up programs to bridge the gap between education and viable careers in the food system.

• Partnerships: Collaborations and partnerships have grown between schools and organizations, such as Morse High School and Mt.Hope Garden, and KIPP Elementary and Berry Good Food Foundation.

• Food Systems Education: Regional food systems leaders have partnered with K-12 schools and colleges to increase youth exposure to the food system through supporting curriculum design, leading guest lectures, and facilitating field trips.

Across San Diego many more programs, organizations, and opportunities are growing to center youth in our food system.

How You Can Support the Movement

This is not a finished chapter. We're collectively working toward stronger connections across schools and community organizations, intergenerational collaborations, and new opportunities for youth to shape the future of our region’s food system.

If you are inspired to help, here is how you can take action today:

• As organizations: Include youth in program design and decision making, where possible. Explore opportunities to center youth voices and experiences in your work.

• For educators: Integrate food systems education into existing school curriculum and programming through intentional partnerships.

• For community food system leaders: Offer your professional and lived experience to young leaders looking to practice and shape their own careers in food.

• For supporters: Help address gaps by investing in youth-centered programming and workforce development.

If you're inspired, curious, or interested in getting involved–as a partner, mentor, collaborator or supporter, we would love to get you connected. Reach out to Lakisha McZeal at lakisha@sdfsa.org.