Opal Apples Champion Youth Leadership Through 2026 Youth Make a Difference Initiative

Yakima, WA – FirstFruits Farms is proud to announce the continuation of the Opal Apples Youth Make a Difference initiative, a program dedicated to celebrating and supporting youth leadership through community impact grants. The initiative reflects Opal Apples’ ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation to build healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities.

The 2026 Youth Make a Difference program awarded grants to seven outstanding youth-led projects driving change in food security, nutrition, agriculture, and education:

• BrainPower in a Backpack – Burnsville, MN
• Classroom in Bloom – Mazama, WA
• Fresh New London – New London, CT
• Global Leaders – Fort Collins, CO
• Greener Partners – Philadelphia, PA
• LEAF Project Inc. – Landisburg, PA
• Roots Rising – Pittsfield, MA

Through these grants, Opal Apples continues to invest in young leaders who are creating innovative solutions and inspiring positive changes in their communities.

“We believe that real, lasting change begins when young leaders are empowered with the tools, resources, and encouragement to bring their visions to life,” said Emily Cox, Marketing Manager at FirstFruits Farms. “This year’s Youth Make a Difference winners are powerful examples of what happens when passion, innovation, and opportunity unite. We are proud that Opal is not only fueling healthier lifestyles but also inspiring stronger, more resilient communities across the country.”

Grant recipients shared how the funding directly impacted their organizations and local youth initiatives through expanded programming and increased access to resources. From supporting food security efforts and nutrition education to creating paid employment opportunities and volunteer experiences, the grants empowered organizations to make a lasting impact within their communities.

“The 2025 Youth Make a Difference grant funds supported Roots Rising in hiring 40 youth, providing them with meaningful paid employment,” said Erin Kaplan, Development Director of Roots Rising. “Beyond the paycheck, this investment equipped our crews with work gear, nutritious meals and snacks, and transportation to work sites. The 2026 grant funds will support stipends and salaries for 41 local teens while helping us implement a tiered wage structure that rewards growth, reliability, and leadership.”

“Opal’s investment in BrainPower in a Backpack is deeply appreciated,” shared Pamela Voigt, Contact Program Coordinator. “Our mission is twofold: to provide hunger relief to students, families, and community members in need, while also creating meaningful volunteer opportunities that educate students about food insecurity in our community. During the 2025–2026 school year, BrainPower engaged more than 300 students for over 3,000 volunteer hours – many participating in volunteer service for the very first time.”

Organizations also emphasized the long-term impact these experiences have on youth development, helping students build confidence, leadership abilities, and real-world skills that will carry into adulthood. Many participants are introduced to professional environments and leadership opportunities for the first time, helping them develop a stronger sense of purpose, self-confidence, and community engagement. These experiences not only support personal growth in the present but also help prepare youth for future academic, career, and leadership success.

“In this program, students aren’t just volunteering – they’re gaining hands-on experience in leadership, communication, and problem-solving,” said Joe Fontana, Executive Director of Global Leaders. “They are learning valuable life and career skills that will benefit them for years to come. Students help manage logistics, write grants, collaborate with community partners, and lead projects that impact thousands of people. That level of responsibility builds confidence and gives them a true sense of purpose. They begin to see themselves as individuals who can create meaningful change, and that mindset stays with them long after the program ends.”

Through the Youth Make a Difference initiative, Opal Apples and FirstFruits Farms continue investing in a healthier, stronger next generation. For more information about the Youth Make a Difference program, including the next application window opening in December 2026, visit https://www.opalapples.com/youth-make-a-difference/.

About FirstFruits Farms

Operating for over 45 years, FirstFruits Farms is dedicated to growing the highest quality apples, cherries, and pears in the industry. We grow over 10 varieties of apples on 10,000 acres in Eastern Washington. We are unique in the industry because our fruit is grown, stored, and packed at the same location—a practice unmatched in our industry giving us greater control over the quality and safety of our products. We pride ourselves in serving families all across the world by growing exceptional fruit. For more information on FirstFruits Farms visit www.FirstFruits.com