Children’s Aid community school Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School recently held its back to school night, where students kicked off the new year in good health by organizing their very own “Youth Market.” This market was part of Children’s Aid’s Go!Healthy initiative, and brought fresh, locally grown produce to over 150 members of the school community at affordable prices. Students also held sampling stations of nutritious and tasty dishes for all to try.

The market also provided educational and advocacy components as well. Attendees were offered healthy recipes, information about healthy eating habits and guidelines on the importance of portion control. Displays of soda cans filled with sugar illustrated how much sugar is contained in soft drinks, and reinforced the importance of choosing to consume fewer sweets. The students also gathered signatures for a City Hall petition that asks for all NYC public school student to receive free and nutritious lunches.  

Students raised $100 at the event, all of which will go towards funding the next exciting Youth Market at Fannie Lou.