Youth from Central High School in South Los Angeles prepare for the year end harvest party.
Marginalized and underserved communities of color in Los Angeles deserve equal access to health and well-being. Since 2009, AFSC’s Roots for Peace: Building Healthy Communities program has worked with young people to develop their leadership and community organizing skills around food justice, urban gardening, and health and nutrition. Through the program, youth gain the skills to critically analyze issues and implement community action projects that address health inequities in Los Angeles.
Community action projects have included a community seed library, a neighborhood food growers’ network, community gardens, mural paintings, popular education presentations, video productions, door to door canvassing, harvest parties, and much more. Projects are often led by youth program alumni who return to AFSC as interns.
