YFA Gratitude Campaign
How it started
In fall 2020, we read a New York Times article about school cafeteria workers and how hard the pandemic had been for them. We were inspired by all of the extra work the Office of Food and Nutrition Services (OFNS) cafeteria workers had to do as frontline responders during the pandemic.
After hearing from guest speaker Donald Nesbit from DC37, YFA Member Ryoko was inspired. “He said one thing that stood out to me in terms of something we might be able to act on, which was that people working in school kitchens don’t get enough appreciation...” Since we were approaching Thanksgiving, it was the perfect time to show gratitude.
"It was good to see so many students wanting to be part of the campaign."
- Nadia, YFA Intern, Staten Island
How it’s going
Our goal is to expand to more schools throughout the boroughs each year.
We surprise the OFNS school staff during Thanksgiving week by gifting them all the handwritten notes of gratitude we collect. We partner with teachers, school staff, parents, and students to make this campaign a great success. We are now also proud partners with the NYCPS Office of Student Wellness Programs.
"My teacher really liked the idea and wants us to do this every year."
- Yasmine, YFA Intern, Queens,
Youth Designed Postcard
You can download our 2025 postcard designs and order prints for your school.
Designed by Alexander:
Designed by Fatima:
Designed by Kaylin:
