FamilyCook Employs Youth to Strengthen NYC Summer Meal Participation

When it comes to employing summer youth, the NYD Dept of Youth and Community Development’s Summer Youth Employment Program is a huge boon to high school students who need experience in the responsibilities that come with entry-level employment.

This summer, through support from the American Dairy Association North East, FamilyCook is delighted to hire 15 Teen Battle Chefs to support Summer Meals at 3 DOE Office of Food & Nutrition Services (OFNS) Food Trucks locations serving lunches to youth 18 years and under.

Because the food truck sites are not pools or sites with recreational opportunities – teams of Teen Battle Chefs will be providing physical activity and some nutritional guidance to youth 3-14 years 6 days a week!  Activities for younger children (under 8 years) will include:

• Jump rope
• Sidewalk chalk
• Relay races
• Parachute games
• Hoola Hoop contests

The project goals include:

1. Increase the overall number of summer meals provided at each of these Summer Meals park sites
2. Provide a great job experience and weekly mentoring to the TBC youth conducting the activities
3. Provide physical activity and recreation to children in the vicinity of the 3 Summer Meals park/ food truck locations

Share these locations and the fun activities with your community members in these neighborhoods: