The Youth Food Movement is an open network for young people to champion good, clean and fair’ food. It started with the original Slow Food’ philosophy, and has quickly grown into an independent scheme that brings together and empowers communities of young people.

At Sustained and Positive News, we are all avid fans of grassrootsaction, particularly the things that mobilise and enable us, thegeneral public, to communicate and collaborate around positive change.What really excited the Dandelion Award judges was the way in which theYouth Food Movement facilitates this.

When we met with YFM chair, Katy Davidson, the first thing on her agenda was to discuss all the hidden ingredients in processed food. ‘Children should get the opportunity to eat properly from the start,’ Katy explained. ‘With real and unprocessed produce, we can undo the food culture that damages the palates of our young people. Through this approach we can create a positive attitude towards food consumption.

‘Food has become sanitised and removed from a person’s own experience,’ she continued. ‘So we’re subject to what we’re given; what is marketed to us, as opposed to what we choose, what is local and what is in season.’

As the conversation moved on to how we improve that experience, Katy is quick to say: ‘The environment in which we eat and drink is key. We want to replace mindless consumption of rubbish in front of the television, with good food at the family dinner table, feasts with friends, picnics and barbecues on the beach.’

Katy continues: ‘The social aspect of food and its benefits are key to society’s health and that’s a fundamental element of what we want to emphasise.’

If readers would like to get involved in anything the YFM do, there are plenty of options: from Eat-ins, a public gathering to share a home-cooked meal, to the Ark of Knowledge, an apprenticeship scheme to ensure that the knowledge of traditional agriculture and the sustainable practices of master artisans are passed on to younger generations. Katy says with a smile: ‘No matter what your age, if you are young at heart, get in touch and we’ll help you promote something of your very own in your local area.’

Dandelion Award: www.positivenews.org.uk

Contact: www.youthfoodmovement.org.uk
www.sustainedmagazine.com

Youth Food Movement peer-to-peer teaching
Photo: © Youth Food Movement