Youth Food Advocates (YFA) is for young people who want to learn about social justice, public policy and advocacy, and are ready to create systemic change in New York City food systems, with a focus on school food.

YFA Application is open for all

NYC high school students

May 15 - June 15

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YFA interns are the youth leadership arm of the Lunch 4 Learning (L4L) and Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) coalitions. Youth from across the City work collaboratively and develop the leadership, research, and communication skills critical to lead change.

YFA is action-oriented. Youth will:

  • Plan and facilitate meetings

  • Create and collect surveys

  • Present at food justice events, rallies, and conferences

  • Create social media campaigns

  • Publish the YFA Newsletter

  • Meet with policy makers and school officials

  • Host guest speakers

  • Collaborate with school food staff

YFA Program Information

  • ​Every school year, YFA interns commit ~100 hours and play an active role in the decision-making process to bring about change in three major school food areas: Cafeteria Environment, Menu Inclusivity, and Communication and Student Voice.

  • Youth Food Advocates is open to all NYC high school students; we strongly encourage rising freshmen and sophomores to apply.

    Application opens annually from May 15 to June 15. Acceptance letters are sent after 4th of July.

  • New YFA interns must participate in and successfully complete 100% of a week-long foundational summer leadership training.

  • From September through June, YFA interns meet weekly virtually and a minimum of four times in-person to plan, organize, and participate in campaign actions and coalition activities. Interns provide valuable expert input on the school food experience.

  • YFA interns in good standing are eligible to return for up to 3 years during their high school career. Completion of additional training each summer is required. We foster a community for growth through deepening knowledge and advocacy in food systems change.

  • Interns receive an annual stipend of up to $550. Amounts vary based on engagement, progress of actions, and attendance.

    Fall stipend is disbursed in January.

    Spring stipend is disbursed in June.

  • We are a NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) Service in the Schools partner. YFA internship hours can be credited towards receiving the NYCPS Seal of Recognition for Service on their high school diploma. We are also a NYCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services’ partner.

  • We are happy to support our young leaders by providing letters of recommendation and letters of support for college, internships, fellowships, etc.

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