Youth Digital Storytelling and the Future of Social Engagement
On September 26, Newman’s Own Foundation and Mosaic Film Experience hosted an inspiring evening at NPR headquarters in Washington, DC. The event, part of the national Nourishing Narratives mobile film competition, brought together student filmmakers, educators, food advocates, nonprofit leaders, and national media professionals for a dynamic conversation that explored how youth storytelling can drive awareness, advocacy, and change. Here are five takeaways from the evening:
1. Food Justice is an Urgent Matter
Crystal FitzSimons, President of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), emphasized the stark reality of food and nutrition insecurity for millions of children across the U.S. Her data-driven perspective grounded the event in the need for systems-level solutions, and youth voices are part of that path forward.
2. Students Can Powerfully Shape the Food Justice Narrative
The mobile film “Food Justice East of the Anacostia,” created by high school students Morgan Hawkins and Sukey Hayden from DC International School, was a standout moment of the evening. The short documentary explored barriers to healthy food access in their DC neighborhood and demonstrated how youth-led storytelling can challenge assumptions and spotlight community-rooted solutions.
3. Classrooms Can Be Launchpads for Civic Engagement
DC International School media teacher Ashley Porter and Monique Whitfield, Secretary of the Board of Directors of the D.C.-based market and business incubator Fresh Food Factory, joined the student filmmakers in a panel discussion moderated by Maria Godoy of NPR. They shared how storytelling assignments and local partnerships provide students with real-world experiences related to social issues and expand their understanding of equity and agency.
4. Collaboration Makes the Mission Possible
Throughout the evening, collaboration emerged as a unifying theme. In a second panel discussion, Maria Godoy was joined by Max Finberg, Vice President for Government Affairs at Chobani, to explore how creative platforms can mobilize public will, engage new audiences, and foster lasting solutions – especially when young people are leading the charge. Earlier in the program, Emily Yu, Chief Partnerships and Program Officer at Newman’s Own Foundation, acknowledged the critical roles of families, educators, nonprofit partners, and funders in making the initiative possible.
5. This Is Just the Beginning
As the night wrapped up, Skot Welch of Mosaic Film Experience and Valarie Clark, a Community Engagement Consultant with Clark Strategies, encouraged attendees to help shape what’s next. With plans for potential screenings in more cities across the country, Nourishing Narratives continues to expand as a national platform for student-driven storytelling and community impact.
Nourishing Narratives continues to grow as a platform that supports young people in telling stories that matter. Through mobile storytelling, mentorship, and community partnerships, Mosaic Film Experience, Newman’s Own Foundation, and other community partners are building a national network of youth who are not only speaking out but also being heard.
