'Yhunger' a food literacy program for youth by youth, with Rowena Yamazaki

Rowena Yamazaki is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian from YouthBlock - a specialist youth health service in Sydney. For the last 17 years Rowena has led the Yhunger program which aims to strengthen young people's food literacy skills and improve their food security status. Rowena talks about involving youth throughout all elements of food and nutrition programs.

This episode touches on topics that you may find distressing, including the violence, abuse and neglect of children, eating disorders and food insecurity. Please check who’s listening in and skip over these sections or take a break if you need to. Refer to the list of support services below if you need to reach out.

For further enquiries about the resources, evaluation and online training, email Rowena (rowena.yamazaki@health.nsw.gov.au) or call Youthblock (+61 2 9562 5640)

Key links related to this episode

• YHunger Website
• Crawford et al. (2014) Sustaining dignity? Food insecurity in homeless young people in urban Australia
• Crawford et al. (2015) Is something better than nothing? Food insecurity and eating patterns of young people experiencing homelessness
• Yhunger ‘My Food Stories’ co-produced with young people
• Yhunger in youth services (case studies) here and here

Trauma informed care resources mentioned 

• Blue Knot Foundation 
• Butterfly Foundation
• Inside Out Institute e-learning 
• STARTTS
• Youth Health and Wellbeing in NSW Health
• Youth Mental Health First Aid

Other organisations mentioned

• CuriousWorks – community youth arts organisation in Western Sydney 
• NSW Refugee Health Service
• Youth Action – peak body for youth services and young people in NSW
• Yfoundations – peak body for youth homelessness in NSW

If you are looking for support services for a young person in crisis

• Ask Izzy website

If you are in distress and need help 24/7 in Australia

• Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800)
• Lifeline (131114)
• 13 Yarn (139276) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners 
• Emergency services (000)

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