Photos by Stefan Armijo.

Last week, I attended the Just Food fundraise held by Ashoka's Bay Area Youth Venture. The fundraiser was held at Numi Tea Garden on 2230 Livingston street.

Within Numi Tea Garden, tables were established that held healthy foods cooked by local people and fascinating art pieces donated by local artists for the silent auction.  I tasted a delicious Vietnamese noodle dish cooked by Rey, an engineer by day and top chef by night.

James Berk, an award winning Youth Venturer, spoke about his skewd view of healthy food. Berk gave a first person account about unhealthy foods  in liquor stores throughout West Oakland, where he lives.

Ambitious youth was seemingly the theme of the night. I met two young rap entrepreuers J Million and O-zone. Through conversation with them, I realized that they were involved with Turf Unity and Green Youth Arts. Ozone is the creator and founder of O-zone Music Group as well.

After, listening to a positive rap performance by O-zone and J Million. I began to converse with Ariella Neckritz, the volunteer program coordinator. Ariella had a strong desire to work with Ashoka's Bay Area Youth Venture since her discovery of the non-profit via an internet search. Ariella contacted Amy Wilson, director of Ashoka's Bay Area Youth Venture, who then invited Neckritz to a monthly meeting. It was at the meeting where Neckritz experienced " the moment ", when youth mentors were happy and proud of the presentations that youth venturers had given.

"The moment" is the exact emotion , that the funds raised for Just Food go towards. To inspire and empower youth in communities of color and the like, to be innovative in bringing healthy foods to their communities.