A comprehensive 8-part curriculum to strengthen youth leadership skills through the design and implementation of service learning projects to create greater food access in their neighborhoods and communities. A collaborative project between Illinois 4-H, SNAP-Ed, and the Farm to School Network, this curriculum assists youth in evaluating the connection between food access and community health while providing them the resources they need to take effective action to create change.

Key Concepts

  • Community Service
  • Food Advocacy
  • Foods & Nutrition
  • Local Foods

For Youth Grades 7-12

  • Demonstrate increased youth leadership capacity through the implementation of action plans to effect positive changes in local food systems.
  • Sustaining youth-centered community engagement through service learning focused on social issues that affect community health.
  • Developing culturally relevant, comprehensive educational tools for use by educators to enhance the strength of food systems education.
  • Creating a collaborative environment for U of I faculty, U of I Extension staff, educators and youth to develop transformative partnerships to be replicated by other 4-H programs in the U.S.   
  • Horticulture, Small Farms/Local Foods Educators and SNAP-Ed Educators
  • Illinois 4-H Food Advocacy Team leaders