Youth In Action
The Boston Collaborative for Food and Fitness is committed to engaging youth throughout Boston in order to achieve its vision of providing access to healthy, locally-grown foods and to create spaces for physical activity and play for all Boston residents.
The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) a selected group of youth leaders, works with the Project Manager and professional youth workers from various organizations involved in the BCFF to develop several initiatives and engage in other activities that work towards the goals of the BCFF. The YAB provides youth the opportunity to take ownership of projects that are relevant to their interests and to contribute to the success of BCFF.
For the sustainability of creating healthy communities, it is essential that a youth leaders’ network is in place that addresses issues related to food and fitness at a neighborhood, city and state level. Young leaders offer perspectives and ideas that may otherwise not be considered and will inspire and be inspired by established leaders who work to create healthy communities. Engaging youth in policy-making and decision-making processes is important to the overall strategy of the BCFF.
How does YAB participate in the policy process?
At the local, state and national levels, YAB:
- Advocates for and develops policies that promote healthy communities.
- Recruits and trains peers about issues related to healthy food choices, food systems, and/or fitness so they can become more active participants in this movement.
- Engages with policymakers and institutional leaders to push forward legislation and policies that reflect the needs of their communities.