““What I really enjoyed from my time in the Food Justice Cohort was learning to cook so many delicious cuisines. And important culinary basics, like making pasta or building a menu. I also really enjoyed our food justice lessons, specifically the lesson on food deserts. It really changed how I view where I get my food and the accessibility, as a disabled youth.””
In December 2024, the Food Justice Cohort came together for a truly special event; their first Community Dinner. This celebration was more than just a meal – it was a reflection of everything the cohort has learned and worked toward throughout the season, bringing together staff, community members, and youth leaders for a night of shared food, stories and connection.
RYSE members put their culinary skills to the test that showcased their passion for food justice and their knowledge in the kitchen, crafting a stunning 4-course meal featuring a Vegan Tofu Apple Spring Roll with pomegranate dipping sauce, Beef Birria Stuffed Ravioli, Chicken Chile Verde Tamale wrapped in Banana Leaf, and a Seasonal Winter Citrus Cheesecake. From sourcing fresh, local ingredients to preparing thoughtful and delicious dishes, the dinner was an opportunity for the cohort to demonstrate skills they developed over the past few months. In addition, the cohort baked 400 cookies during the RYSE Holiday event for the center!
The Food Justice cohort is a paid, six-week program where members learn both food justice concepts and essential culinary skills. Over the first three weeks they dive into food justice topics like food deserts, access to healthy food, and solutions to food equity. Next, they build community through shared meals, mutual aid food projects, and cooking sessions. Then, they get hands-on kitchen training with Chef Jenabi Pareja, mastering skills like knife techniques, pasta making, and bread baking!
As a bonus, they have the opportunity to earn a Food Handler’s license, boosting resumes and career options with a $300 stipend for their participation. The cohort meets on Mondays & Wednesdays at RYSE. The program is perfect for youth eager to make an impact in their community.
The Food Justice cohort is led by Jenabi Parejai, who was a RYSE staff member from 2009-2013. Jenabi is one of the co-founders and worker-owner of Understory Oakland, a POC-led collective that was founded in 2021 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic with a mission to combat the exploitation of restaurant workers. As they have closed their location in June 2024, they are fundraising over $150,000 to support their staff through the transition, cover health benefits, and fund moving and operational costs. Click here to donate to their gofundme campaign.
“ “Teaching the Food Justice Cohort at RYSE feels like coming full circle. Being part of RYSE in its early days shaped who I am, and now I get to give back by empowering young people to see food as more than just a meal. It’s about justice, community care, and reclaiming our stories through the ways we grow, cook, and share food. This work is personal — it’s about planting seeds for a stronger community, one plate at a time, especially when we get to bring it all together by hosting a meal that nourishes not just the body, but the soul of our community.””
The Food Justice Cohort application for the Spring 2025 season is now closed, but we encourage members to apply next season! To become a member and experience our weekly programming, visit rysecenter.org/for-youth to apply and schedule a tour!