🌱 GROW

Cultivating Leadership and Food Justice

Roots for Life’s “Grow” programs empower youth and community members to take action for food justice through learning, leadership, and advocacy.

Y-HAT Program (Youth Health Advocacy & Leadership Training)
The Y-HAT Program equips young people to lead change in their communities. Through an 8-week training and hands-on projects, participants explore nutrition, food deserts, and the politics of food access while developing advocacy, storytelling, and leadership skills.

Graduates go on to lead community projects, organize awareness campaigns, and advocate for equitable food access across Washington, DC.

Nourish Our Neighbors – Scout Badge Program
Through Nourish Our Neighbors, local Scouts can earn community service badges by growing and donating food for the F.R.E.S.H. Community Fridge.

Participants learn basic gardening, maintain growing rows for one season, and contribute their harvest to support neighbors in need.

Seed Sharing Initiative
Roots for Life provides fruit, vegetable, and companion plant seeds to schools, community gardens, and local growers to encourage home and neighborhood food productionstrengthening food security one seed at a time.