As it nears its first anniversary this July, the Feeding Our Future program, an initiative of the Making A Difference Foundation in Tacoma, Washington, continues to empower disadvantaged and at-risk youth and young adults ages 16 to 25.
In addition to promoting the mental, physical, and social well-being of participants, the 20-week program introduces them to microgreen hydroponic farming, business development, leadership training, and entrepreneurship. According to Ahndrea Blue, Founder/CEO of the Making A Difference Foundation, the program was a byproduct of her helping some local youth trying to enter the marijuana industry.
"I am also a lawyer, and I had some youth who ran into issues with the law with regards to growing marijuana," said Blue. "They were growing for purpose, as they were actually providing income to their families and to defend against need. So, I came up with this program because I realized the same mechanisms they are using for marijuana can be transferred to something with higher profit and higher nutritional value, while helping to move their families to self-sufficiency."
One of the most shocking things to Blue was learning that many of her youth participants were primary caregivers of themselves within their households.
Read more at The Seattle Medium