YAKIMA, WA - Celebrating a record number of applicants, FirstFruits Farms and Opal Apple are investing in the future by awarding 11 organizations a total donation of $45,000 for outstanding actions.

“Each of these organizations embodies the spirit of youth-driven activism and grassroots innovation,” Chuck Zeutenhorst, President, said of the Opal Apple Youth Make A Difference initiative. "Their dedication and passion for creating positive change inspire us all, and we are confident that their impactful initiatives will continue to make a profound difference in communities across the nation."

Tailored to bolster and champion youth-led opportunities, the award spotlights those effecting positive change within their local communities with an emphasis on youth assuming leadership roles.

The winning organizations, which demonstrated exemplary commitment and innovative approaches to tackling pressing challenges, according to a press release, included:

• Appetite for Change – Minneapolis, MN
• BrainPower in a Backpack – Burnsville, MN
• Classroom in Bloom – Winthrop, WA
• Global Leaders – Fort Collins, CO
• Greener Partners – Fairview Village, PA
• Growing Hope – Ypsilanti, MI
• Happy Roots – Salisbury, NC
• Roots Rising – Pittsfield, MA
• Student Basic Needs Coalition – Chicago, IL
• Titan Equity Nourish Network – Detroit, MI
• The Garden Club Project – Blacklick, OH

Each will receive a donation to further their missions and expand their reach, investments FirstFruits said would enable the organizations to “continue their vital work in addressing critical issues related to food security, nutrition, agriculture, and food education.”

Know of a candidate making such strides? The 2024 application window will be open from December 13, 2024–February 7, 2025. Be sure to apply and further the reach of this change-making program.