Since 2014 the New York City based Drive Change has been operating a food truck, called Snowday, as a way of reducing recidivism rates among young people. The  organization  hires and mentors formerly jailed young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. And so far, it has ushered more than 20 of them through its paid fellowship program, which provides both specific training in the culinary arts as well as broader professional-development skills. Graduates of the program have gone on to work as line cooks in upscale restaurants and catering companies.

Also on the menu for the nonprofit: a re-branding and a new look. Beginning in July, the award-winning  Snowday will be called Drive Change, though it will still feature a seasonal menu with locally sourced food. In addition, the company is adopting an affiliate model where other food trucks that hire young adults coming home from prison can get Drive Change Certified.

As Drive Change transitions, it is only accepting event bookings from organizations working directly in the field of social or racial justice, including re-entry from the criminal justice system. Says Lexton, "We're really trying to raise awareness around those issues so change can happen."

To read more of Neil Parmar's article, please click here.