The Food Project Reviews

- the organization is set up on a savior complex model. Problematic staff are maintained even when community members have expression concerns/issues. - the organization hasn’t/isn’t doing the work to support young black men and often miss the demographic in their recruitment efforts - not aware of their community - the suburbs are the focus bc that’s where the money is. -shifting youth program models without internal knowledge or training (for staff or youth) - too many alumni keep the organization and programs from evolving. The reliance on alumni and former youth staff (as well as a lack of Youth Development framework) under trained staff putting/leaving youth in unhealthy situations - high staff turn over - every staff person that started the year I did had transitioned out of the organization by the beginning of the next calendar year. - lack of commitment to DEI and community voices

Complex organization that spans across the Boston area and the North Shore. Financial resources and HR support were both spread thin, in part because TFP has four farming sites and three offices. Many high level directors that can give conflicting directions, but are unable to support on the ground due to geographical distance. Extremely high expectations during the summer, which can push staff to work 60+ hours a week.