FOOD FOR THOUGHT: MENTAL HEALTH & NUTRITION
May 4, 2024 | 9AM – 2PM

Greetings, young trailblazers and advocates for change! Following the triumphant launch of our inaugural event in 2023, The Campaign Against Hunger is thrilled to invite you to the second annual “Voices of Change” Youth Conference – a powerful platform for dialogue, learning, and collective action.

Location: PS 5 Dr Ronald E McNair | 820 Hancock St, Brooklyn, NY 11233

Why Attend?

Your Voice Has the Power to Transform Communities

Understand the Concepts

Dive deep into the complex web of social issues, and explore the causal relationship between food insecurity and gun violence. Understand how empowering communities through food access can be a catalyst for safer streets and brighter futures.

Raise Your Voice

Learn and practice effective advocacy to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality and violence

Be Inspired and Inspire

Hear from young activists who are making strides in breaking the cycle of violence and hunger, and share your own story of change and resilience.

Network for Change

Connect with like-minded peers and mentors who are actively working to create safer, more equitable communities.

Develop Key Skills

Participate in workshops designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary to address the root causes of food insecurity and violence.

Workshops and Panel Discussions

Embark on an enlightening journey with our engaging workshops and thought-provoking speaker-led panels. Together, we’ll delve into the intricate interplay of food justice, poverty, and the pursuit of peace in our communities.

Our discussions will shine a light on the undeniable link between food insecurity, financial constraints, and the presence of gun violence. We recognize that fostering a healthy community begins with fostering access to nourishment.

Keynote Speaker

Drew Gabriel

Throughout his career, spanning nearly a decade, Drew has worked in federal, state, and city legislative affairs to identify and mitigate the everyday challenges faced by New Yorkers. As a result, he has helped connect local stakeholders to critical programs and services that spur growth, ensuring every community has the necessary resources to thrive.

Currently, Drew is the Vice President of Intergovernmental Affairs for CAMBA. Drew has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Manhattan College and a Master of Arts in Urban Policy and Administration from Brooklyn College.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

9:00- 10:00 am – Registration, Breakfast and Vendors
10:00 am- 10:30 am– Greetings Welcome, Dr. Samuels CEO and Founder, Elected Officials, and Keynote
10:30am – 11:30am– Conversations
11:40 am – 12:30 pm – All Workshops
12:30 pm- 1:00 pm – Lunch & Vendors
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Entertainment Segment Raffle Giveaway Fun, Closing Remarks and Exit

PANELS

Food for Your Mood 10:30-11:00

Featured Speakers:

Jenae Russell, TCAH
Tamara Dawson, TCAH
Hannah Luna, Sun Works
Sabrina Loaiza, Camba

Mindful Bites 11:00- 11:30

Featured Speakers:

Jenae Russell, TCAH
Tamara Dawson, TCAH
Hannah Luna, Sun Works
Sabrina Loaiza, Camba

WORKSHOPS

Food Justice Workshop

Presented by Jenae Russell, The Campaign Against Hunger

The Food Justice workshop will delve into the core issues of equity, access, and sustainability within our food system. Through interactive discussions, activities, and presentations, attendees will explore topics such as food deserts, food sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture. They’ll gain insights into the challenges of food insecurity and the importance of addressing systemic inequalities. The workshop aims to empower participants to become advocates for change in their communities, working towards a more just and equitable food system for all.

Mindfulness Workshop

Presented by Dekendra Dazzell, Dazzell Elite

This workshop will focus on using the power of yoga and meditation to promote positive mental health and provide emotional detoxing. Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Youth will be taught how to incorporate the practice in their daily lives through techniques like breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.

Mental Health 101 Workshop

Presented by Lea Krugolets, NYC Teenspace

This workshop will focus on diving deep into mental health by exploring mental, emotional and physical self care. Students will be supported to create 1-2 SMART goals to improve mental health by utilizing prompts and self-reflection activities. Students will also learn practical tools and techniques for stress and anxiety management.

Financial literacy Workshop

Presented by Kimberly Fraser, TD Bank

This workshop will provide essential skills for managing money effectively. Interactive exercises help youth develop practical skills like creating a budget, setting financial goals, and making informed financial decisions. The workshop emphasizes the importance of responsible money management and provides tools and resources to help youth build a strong foundation for their financial future.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

Food Justice

NY Sun Works
Hannah Luna
Madeline Turner
Teens for Food Justice – Jessenia Preciado
Cooking With Corey – Corey Whittenburg, Brandi Covington

Mental Health

Xquisite xoterie Youth Empowerment Program – Niasia Moore
NYC Teenspace – Lea Krugolets

Other Services

JP and Morgan Chase
Touro NYSCAS University – Jessica Velez
NYC Career Systems – Michelle Wade
Job Corps – Khadejah Aziz
Adolescent Education Program/THEO (Teens Helping Each Other) – Marian Searchwell
FDNY Office of Recruitment and Retention – Gwendolyn Lewis or The Officer in Charge
TD Bank
Lucas Legacy CPR, Inc. – Regina Hall
Drive Change – Michaela Peace – McIntyre
Kenneth Cintron – Parallax Center
SCO Family of Services – Dashawn Cummings

Video Resources

Conference Highlights

Questions about the conference?

Please contact Howard Brown, Youth Empowerment Manager: hbrown@tcahnyc.org

Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities?

Please contact Racquel Peters, Director of Development, to learn how you can support our youth: rgrant@tcahnyc.org