Leslie Gomez Rivera didn’t like anything about the cafeteria at her Brooklyn high school, and had little hope it would change. Then she heard about Youth Food Advocates that supports students to advocate for change. They provided Leslie with the information and tools to do something about it. Leslie created a survey of other students, and collaborated with the cafeteria manager and principal. Her findings helped inspire the school to offer foods students liked to eat, student tasting and approval of new menu items, more efficient and inviting food displays, and comfortable seating. “This was one of the pivotal moments when I realized that if you want it done, you can do it yourself,” Rivera said. “I felt like this was something that not only affects my everyday [life], but that the next generation … would be affected. And if I could do something about it, I would.”
