04 August 2025
Behind the Scenes at our ‘Resi’ for young Food Ambassadors
The annual Young Food Ambassadors Residential Stay (or 'Resi') is an opportunity for the young Food Ambassadors we work with to meet in person, bond, build relationships, develop their skills as activists and have fun! Citizen Engagement Manager Lucy Heyderman takes us behind the scenes of this year's activities as we celebrate our 10th anniversary.
This year, the young Food Ambassadors were invited to a three-day Resi in Bristol, considered one of the greenest and sustainably-minded cities in the UK. Staying right in the heart of Bristol, the soul of the city provided a backdrop for the Resi's activities: the vibrant graffiti, a history of activism and a passion for sustainability.
Day 1:
The ambassadors participated in a panel discussion where they spoke about their time as food activists. With The Food Foundation celebrating our 10-year anniversary, the panel provided an opportunity for some honest reflections, sharing motivations as well as heart-felt celebrations.
In the evening, they met with the amazing Mazi Project team. After helping to pack food kits (small recipe-based food parcels provided to young people experiencing food insecurity), the ambassadors sat down to a delicious Mexican-inspired meal along with young people from The Mazi Project. Over tacos, they shared their experiences, their passion for change and a lot of laughter.
Day 2:
The day kicked off with a storytelling training session with Marcus Fagon, a professional storyteller. As experts by experience, the young ambassadors use their personal stories to advocate for change. Drawing on storytelling traditions from across the UK, the training provided tools for engaging audiences, creating impact, and sharing with confidence.
Following the session, the young people met Kerry McCarthy, Minister for Climate at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Labour MP for Bristol East, and Councillor Ellie King, from Bristol City Council. The ambassadors discussed the impact of food system on climate change, rising food prices caused by extreme weather affecting crops (climateflation), and what the new government Food Strategy needs to do to fully support citizens and reduce food insecurity.
After a quick group picture, the ambassadors went straight into a campaign building workshop (it was really non-stop!). Using on Health Equals' Building Blocks as a foundation, the group explored the relationship between health and food inequities. In September, the young Food Ambassadors will bring their campaigns to the Labour and Lib Dem party conferences, where they will meet with MPs at two breakfast roundtables to discuss the issues and importantly food system solutions that will deliver a good food cycle for all.
The day finished with a talk about food systems and good food stories with Florence Pardoe: how communities and local businesses can support healthy food systems (using Bristol's Canteen as an example of a restaurant pioneering sustainable practices like publishing dishes’ carbon footprint on their menus).
On the final day, the ambassadors shared their gratitude for each other, the support they feel as a community, and the motivation crack on with new campaigns in the coming year.
Here is what the Food Ambassadors had to say:
Gia, 17, London
"I really appreciated the people at the residential this year, and I met so many new and interesting individuals. I also loved the nightly walks around the great city of Bristol; the art was so cool, and because we walked everywhere, you got to see so much of the city. I was a lot more outspoken than my usual self; I’m usually quite timid, so it was a fun to laugh a lot. The key message I would take away from the Resi is to tell your own story and don’t let anyone tell it for you, so no one can misrepresent or mischaracterise you."
Mithesh, 15 years, Belfast
"This residential has made me grow as an individual, helping me with different aspects of being an ambassador and managing those traits. Visiting different local organisations in real life was intriguing as it gave me an idea of how change is done in action! It also gave me inspiration to do more in my local area! YFA Resi is very crucial as most young people seem to understand things better when they're displayed in front of them and the YFA is great for that! And connecting with people from around the nations is fascinating as you would've never met them if it wasn't for this."
Tyler, 19, Aberdeen
"The Residential to Bristol was very informative and empowering to see other Young Food Ambassadors with the same passion and energy as each other to make a difference. I loved the entire residential filled with different activities and my favourite moment was going to the Mazi Project to learn about their initiative and intentions to help the community in and around Bristol. I love being part of the Food Foundation along with the fellow Young Food Ambassadors. Every year the residentials are incredible!"
Callum, 16, north Wales
"The residential was a fantastic experience. As my first one, it was incredibly powerful to connect with others, build meaningful and impactful relationships, and engage in conversations around the issues we’re all passionate about changing. Looking ahead, I’m eager to gain hands-on experience in how policies are communicated to the public to help drive the best possible outcomes for everyone. I’m excited to work with the Food Foundation on this and to explore these issues more deeply."
Funded by The National Lottery’s Awards for All fund, the Resi is a fundamental part of the Food Ambassador Programme. Across the days, the young people gain new skills to help them reach their potential and become active members of their communities; they build bonds with diverse people from across the UK, learning from one another and fostering a network of passionate food activists; and they develop campaigns to tackle food insecurity in the UK.
With thanks to
