RootDown LA, Kids getting kids to eat their veggies -- for real!

RootDown LA is confronting obesity and related health issues in South Central Los Angeles by engaging youth in the education and skills training necessary to build healthier food communities.

RootDown LA is engaging youth to build demand for (and now supply of!) healthy food in South Central LA –- through cooking, gardening, entrepreneurial and experiential nutrition and food systems education. Over 2,000 program participants have increased their knowledge about and preferences for healthy foods.

Our students have quickly become proponents for healthier food consumption among their peers and families as well as in the broader community, and are teaching about the connection between healthy bodies, healthy food, healthy communities and a healthy environment.

1. Train a team of youth leaders to teach about whole and healthier processed foods in classrooms, gardens, and on farms. Anywhere and everywhere.

2. Cultivate opportunities for youth leaders to provide cooking and food education through classes and catered events.

3. Engage youth to build healthy food communities.