The Detroit Food Academy (DFA) supports young students in Detroit to encourage healthy eating habits, social-emotional learning, and financial literacy. One thing that was really nice to learn more about is DFA’s Small Batch Detroit pathway. This sector of the Detroit Food Academy allows students to learn and be exposed to essential entrepreneurial skills. The youth create their own products such as Mitten Bites and Slow Jams, then they sell their handcrafted merchandise online and at different vendor booths. Also, Small Batch Detroit provides further career opportunities for DFA high school graduates. The graduates receive additional training to become certified and promoted in the organization. These methods help ensure the youth are able to grow and strengthen their skills as they transition into adulthood. If you’d like to learn more, please check out the Detroit Food Academy’s website.
Regarding the pandemic, DFA, like most organizations, had to find ways to pivot virtually. Thankfully, DFA was able to continue its mission through virtual programming. I hope to learn more about the specific strides DFA took during that time. Currently, the program is hybrid to support the varied needs of all members of the community. Also, there are always opportunities to talk with community members in the organization. They are very open to questions and making new connections.
The certification programs sound great! It’s great they are able to sell their own creations and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
I really like that the DFA lets the students sell their products, it really teaches some good skills and gives
them a rewarding sense of agency.
It’s great to learn more about the DFA! Thanks for sharing about the programs which the Academy offers; I really like the approach of supporting the students through various parts of the cooking and vending process. Good luck with your research and the other parts of your project, Wisdom!