#USA #New York #Ford Foundation #Food Education #SNACC

SNACC Secures $80,000 Grant to Support Youth Through Food Education

SNACC, a dedicated nonprofit based in New York City, has recently been awarded $80,000 by the Ford Foundation's Good Neighbor Committee. This funding will enhance their efforts in utilizing food education as a means to empower youth, fostering not only health but essential life skills across various settings within the city.

The mission of SNACC (Sustainable Nutrition and Community Connection) revolves around hands-on food education, which has proven to be instrumental in building health, confidence, and opportunities for young individuals. With the aid of the Ford Foundation grant, SNACC aims to broaden its reach, engaging youth through school programs, after-school activities, and family-oriented initiatives. This approach will facilitate broader access to nutritious food while heightening youth engagement and skills development in a world increasingly challenged with issues regarding food access and quality.

In a recent statement, Danielle Cohen, the Founder and Executive Director of SNACC, emphasized the importance of food as a universal need that fosters connections. She remarked, "Food is one of the most basic needs we all share, but it is also one of the most powerful ways we connect. We gather around food. We talk, laugh, share stories, and build relationships over it." The initiative empowers students not only to cook but to learn valuable life skills including teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, essential for their growth beyond culinary arts.

During the last program year, SNACC successfully impacted nearly 2,000 young people, along with their families, through 17 partner organizations. Participants not only enjoyed meals but also engaged in the cooking process itself, crafting over 14,000 meals as part of their educational programming. This hands-on approach shapes students not just as consumers of food, but as active contributors to their communities.

Moreover, the continued support from the Ford Foundation will allow SNACC to expand its current projects in the upcoming 2026–2027 school year. Key initiatives will include in-school food education programs, after-school programming, family-based initiatives, and opportunities for young leaders to step up and take charge of their learning experiences. This forward direction aligns with the organization's goal to prepare youth for the future by equipping them with a critical set of life skills in addition to culinary expertise.

In a notable recent development, SNACC's leadership programming was highlighted through a collaboration with McKinsey & Company, where high school students were exposed to career opportunities within the corporate environment. Such experiences are pivotal, showing students the breadth of potential paths they can pursue based on their skills and engagement in the program.

As SNACC continues its impactful journey, it remains committed to ensuring that every young person has access to not only healthy food but the skills and confidence needed to succeed in life. The organization expresses profound gratitude to the Ford Foundation for their generous support, which reinforces the transformative power of community engagement through food.

To learn more about SNACC and its initiatives, please visit SNACC's Official Website.