Green Futures

Empowering young people, growing green communities

Green Futures supports the local green economy, addresses youth unemployment and reconnects young people to land and nature in Buckinghamshire.

What's the problem?

Young people across Buckinghamshire face growing barriers to meaningful employment, access to nature, and connection to local food systems. At the same time, the county’s progressive food and farming sector needs more support, collaboration, and fresh energy to thrive. 

We’re seeing: 

  • Youth unemployment and a lack of green career pathways. 
  • Disconnection from nature and local food systems. 
  • Underfunded and fragmented efforts among schools, youth groups, and green enterprises. 

So how do we build a future where young people, communities and the planet can all thrive?

Our solutions

Green Futures 2G is Foodrise’s flagship project, working in Buckinghamshire to support the local green economy, empower young people through training opportunities and internships, and reconnect people to land and nature.

1. We create pathways

We bring together schools, youth organisations, food businesses and social enterprises to create new green career pathways through funded, collaborative pilot projects.

2. We offer hands-on opportunities

  • For 11–17 year olds: Inspiring, practical learning experiences and awareness raising campaigns that reconnect young people from marginalised backgrounds to land, food and nature.
  • For 18–24 year olds: Paid 16-week Real Living Wage internships in food and environmental organisations.

3. We support collaboration 

Through the Green Futures Network, we connect environmental and sustainable food organisations – focussed on growing, cooking, distribution or campaigning – with education institutions and youth organisations, helping them to share knowledge, ideas and build long-term partnerships.

We do this through: 

  • Green Futures Partnership Network building events and training, so organisations can hear about what is available in Bucks and opportunities to introduce more green experiences to young people. 
  • Supporting young people to lead and take part in hands-on projects that raise awareness about food waste, sustainable diets, local food growing, and supply chains. These campaigns are often linked to national awareness days and embedded in schools or youth settings, helping young people build knowledge, confidence, and real-world skills.   
  • Seed Fund Grants to help local groups get new ideas off the ground, co-create green experiences, and explore accreditation options. See below.

Our impact

We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve helped to make happen – and the young people we’ve helped to inspire.

  • A growing network of committed partners across Buckinghamshire – from youth charities to urban farms. 
  • Community learning projects raising awareness of food waste, sustainable diets and local supply chains.
  • Glut Busting Recipe Book created by young people to celebrate seasonal eating and reduce waste, as part of our Food Citizens project. 

Get involved

Looking for support to get a green project or idea off the ground? Want to support young people in accessing the green sector but don’t have the spare funds?  

Here’s how you can get involved: 

  • Apply for Seed Funding: Grants are available for schools, youth groups and food/environmental organisations to run collaborative projects. £200-£1000 available. Deadline 16/11/2025. Apply here.
  • Join the Green Futures Network: Stay in the loop with events, partnership opportunities and how to host a Green Futures intern. Contact Rebecca.
  • Partner with us: Whether you have land, ideas, or a project that needs support – we’d love to hear from you. 

For any other enquiries please email Rebecca at rebecca@foodrise.org.uk – we’re always happy to help.

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