AfriThrive, a Maryland nonprofit, serves low-income African immigrants by providing them with culturally-appropriate foods. Every Friday morning, staff and volunteers distribute locally grown, fresh food to those in need in an Aspen Hill, Maryland, parking lot.
Culturally-Appropriate Foods
Charles Choti, founder and director of community engagement and partnerships at AfriThrive, stated that finding familiar foods can be a challenge for many African residents in the D.C. region. To address this issue, AfriThrive includes a food-production program where produce is grown locally on a two-acre space in Poolesville and at community gardens in Montgomery County.
The mobile pantry program makes it easier for recipients to access foods they’re familiar with, such as peaches, corn, cabbage, and beets. Additionally, the program offers vegetables that are staples in dishes from many African countries, including managu, saga, and callaloo.
Food as Medicine Program
In June, AfriThrive began creating its Food as Medicine program, which will link 80 prescreened participants with clinicians and food providers to address diet-related health issues. Oluwasefunmi “Seph” Obielodan coordinates the outreach effort, which aims to boost the success rate and address conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
By tailoring the foods that participants receive through the Food as Medicine program and working with clinicians, Obielodan believes the organization can make a positive impact on the health of African immigrants in the region.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
