Student Film on Food Justice Sparks Conversation in D.C.
A short film created by two D.C. high school students about food justice and a local Black woman–owned grocery initiative has sparked conversations with nonprofit and media leaders, generating an invitation for the pair to present at NPR headquarters. The film, “Food Justice East of the Anacostia River,” was selected as one of 10 winning films in a national mobile filmmaking competition and was featured in a public screening on Feb. 28 at D.C.'s Busboys & Poets, 2004 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE.
Created by students Morgan Hawkins and Sukey Hayden of D.C. International School, “Food Justice East of the Anacostia River” explores Fresh Food Factory, a Black woman–owned business working to combat food apartheid in Southeast D.C. Their storytelling resonated far beyond their classroom, elevating youth perspectives in discussions about equitable food access and community-led solutions.
Attendees heard from Lynn Hughes, Executive Director, Action Youth Media; Amanda Stephenson, Owner, Fresh Food Factory; and Valarie Clark, owner, Clark Strategies LLC. The event highlighted the power of youth storytelling to reimagine what a fair and equitable food system could look like.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to see our work reflected through the lens of young filmmakers who are passionate about strengthening their communities,” said Stephenson. “This film highlights both the challenges and the opportunities in addressing food access, and we’re proud to be part of a movement advancing equity and economic opportunity in Southeast D.C.”
Following the screening, guests were invited to participate in a guided hard-hat tour of one of The Fresh Food Factory Market's new locations. The tour offered an early look at how food access, economic opportunity and community investment are taking shape, bringing the themes of the films into a real-world setting ahead of the market's official opening.
The event is part of Nourishing Narratives: Youth Stories for Change, a national mobile filmmaking competition hosted by Mosaic Film Experience in collaboration with Newman’s Own Foundation, the private grantmaking foundation started by legendary actor Paul Newman, whose mission is to nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity.
In its inaugural year, Nourishing Narratives showcased 10 award-winning student films that explore food justice in Los Angeles; Brooklyn, New York; Lexington, Kentucky; Meridian, Connecticut; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Washington, D.C.; Leominster, Massachusetts; and Atlanta.
Each of the films was shot and edited using only mobile devices. The competition returns in March 2026, continuing its mission to empower youth to use storytelling to examine food access and advocate for more equitable food systems.
“For the past two decades, ACTION YOUTH MEDIA has empowered youth to tell stories that reflect their lived experiences and inspire change,” said Hughes. “Seeing our students’ work spark meaningful conversations about food justice and reach national platforms shows the power of youth voices and the importance of creating pathways into creative careers.”
About Action Youth Media:
For 20 years, ACTION YOUTH MEDIA has provided more than 5,000 youth with free classes and programs, saving their families high fees while simultaneously supporting and developing a potential career choice. ACTION YOUTH MEDIA advances economic justice by creating a strong pipeline to Creative Economy careers, which is growing at a rate of 4-5% in the State of MD, to students who have historically been left behind by workforce development systems, including youth from low-income communities who identify as Black, indigenous, people of color, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and/or neurodiverse.
About Clark Strategies LLC:
Valarie Clark, MPA, Founder and Principal of Clark Strategies LLC, is a tri-sector leader having worked in public, private and government sectors has over twenty years of experience at the forefront of public health, academic medicine, health communications and community engagement. A brilliant broker of partnerships, expert patient advocate and skilled facilitator. Demonstrated success in the ability to engage community leaders, establish relationships, build trust, work with formal and informal networks, and garner commitment from community and health leadership.
About Fresh Food Factory:
The Fresh Food Factory is a social enterprise that offers and engages low-to-moderate income residents of the Greater District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) in varying facets of the food and farm industry from growing, preparation and packaging, training to retail exposure that will increase the quality of their professional, financial, and nutritional welfare.
About Mosaic Film Experience:
Founded in 2012 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Mosaic Film Experience (MFE) is a 501(c)(3) organization that reimagines students’ pathways to emerging and creative industries through innovative education and workforce development experiences, by connecting students directly with industry-leading professionals, hands-on projects, and interactive workshops. Mosaic Mobile bridges the gap between classroom learning and evolving careers. In an era when storytelling and digital media skills are essential, another way Mosaic prepares students for the future and empowers them to express their own unique voices. For more information, visit mosaicfilmexperience.com.
About Newman’s Own Foundation:
Newman’s Own Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation whose mission is to nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity. The Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to use all the money that it receives —100% of profits and royalties — from the sale of Newman’s Own and Paul Newman products in service of its mission. Since 1982, Paul and Newman’s Own Foundation have given away over $625M to good causes. Today, Newman’s Own Foundation grantee partners promote nutritious food in schools, advance Indigenous food justice, and through SeriousFun Children’s Network, create medically inclusive camp experiences. Learn more at newmansown.org.