Impact

Forgotten Foods youth programs focus on cultivating Staten Island youth with community organizing skills to become changemakers and leaders in Staten island and beyond. Here’s how we’re doing so far!

Youth Impact

Educational and Employment outcomes.

High School Graduation and Beyond: 95% of interns graduate high school and pursue further education or vocational training, with a focus on community service or advocacy.

Long-Term Commitment: 90% of fellows return as core members of our organization, reflecting a strong dedication to community and personal growth.

Unique employment and post-professional degrees: 100% of fellows go on to pursue post professional degrees or competitive fellowship programs.

Youth Program Metrics

Class Sizes: Each cohort is intentionally small, capped at 10 participants to allow for focused learning, skill-building, and mentorship. This data is based on a pre and post evaluation survey given to high school interns at the beginning and end of the internship to capture their growth.

Collaboration and Leadership

  • 95% of youth expressed that the internship let them take initiative in group settings and practice being in a team. 

  • 89% felt confident motivating and guiding others, showing a growth in leadership skills.

Interpersonal Skills

85% of interns improved their neighborhood research skills, with a 14.7% boost in confidence and understanding how to use different community-based research methods compared to when they first started the program.

Community Engagement

  • 90% of youth expressed that the internship gave them a platform to engage more actively with their communities, a 20% increase compared to what they reported before the internship started. 

  • 92% left the internship believing in the importance of transforming the local food system to make healthy food accessible for everyone compared to when they first entered the program.

Learning and Growth

95% of interns feel confident with using skills and knowledge learned from the internship to organize in their communities.

Neighborhood Impact

Last updated 2024

  • Data Collection and Outreach: 260 interviews conducted by youth to local community members 

  • Community Organizing Classes & Training: 82 youth training and class sessions delivered to local youth affected by food insecurity 

  • Community Garden Plot Yield [updated October 14th, 2024]:

    • Allium Family: 14.92 lbs

    • Herbs: 7.16 lbs

    • Brassica Family: 22.92 lbs

    • Leafy Greens: 12.2 lbs

    • Nightshade Family: 14.37 lbs

    • Legumes: 1.12 lbs

    • Root Vegetables: 2.78 lbs

    • Gourd Family: 32.44 lbs

    • Other: 5.96 lbs

      Total Harvest Yield: 113.44 lbs