Youth Making a Difference: 2025 Impact Highlights
At Healing Meals Community Project, our kitchen is more than a place to prepare food—it’s where young people discover purpose, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Since its start in 2016, our Youth Program has engaged more than 785 youth volunteers, contributing 31,000 hours of service to prepare and package nourishing meals for families facing serious health challenges. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and meaningful service, youth gain more than culinary skills—they develop empathy, leadership, and emotional resilience.
A Research-Backed Approach to Growth
In 2025, Healing Meals partnered with the Search Institute to measure how service impacts youth well-being.
The results speak for themselves:
- 90% report stronger confidence and collaboration skills.
- 85% developed deeper empathy and compassion.
- Nearly all said they feel accepted and valued for who they are.
These findings affirm that when youth are supported by caring mentors, given opportunities to lead, and engaged in purposeful work, they thrive—both personally and emotionally.
Youthful Voices
“It’s meaningful to see the impact we’re making. You can really feel how much it helps families.”
“Healing Meals is a place like no other. Every time I leave, I have a smile on my face.”
“Healing Meals taught me skills that will help me for the rest of my life.”
More Than a Volunteer Program
Our kitchen has become a place of connection and joy, where young people learn that small acts of kindness can make a big impact.
As one participant shared:
“Every shift, I feel more confident and capable—it’s an amazing learning space.”
Through cooking, mentoring, and community service, Healing Meals continues to nurture the next generation of compassionate leaders ready to make a difference.
Read the full 2025 Youth Impact Report to explore how service is shaping youth leadership and mental well-being in our community.
“Healing Meals is a place like no other. Every time I leave, I have a smile on my face.”
