Welcome to AfriThrive Inc.

Creating Thriving Families and Promoting Culturally Relevant Food

AfriThrive is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Maryland and Washington D.C., committed to building vibrant, resilient communities through food security, education, cultural connection, and sustainable development. 

Who We Are

Rooted in Culture. Growing Community. Thriving Together.

At the heart of AfriThrive is a vibrant network of volunteers, donors, partners, and community leaders who believe in food justice and sustainability.

AfriThrive mobilizes, connects, and empowers communities with culturally rooted, sustainable solutions that support family wellness and economic stability. Our programs are designed to uplift communities and foster lasting change.

pounds of food distributed to families in need across Maryland and D.C.
0 k
people served through our food access and support programs
0 K+
volunteer hours contributed by our dedicated community of volunteers
0 k
specialty crops grown at AfriThrive’s cultural farm sites, connecting food to heritage
0

Take Action Today

Critical Growth Areas Where Your Support Matters Most

Your donation or sponsorship helps us scale impact and provide long-term, sustainable solutions. Since 2019, we’ve worked to Nourish communities with fresh, culturally appropriate food, Educate families and youth on sustainable food systems, and Transform lives through economic empowerment and food justice initiatives.

Cold Storage to Keep Food Fresh, Safe, and Ready

Without adequate refrigeration, highly perishable foods spoil before they can be distributed.

GOAL ACHIEVED
COMPLETED 100%

Infrastructure & Space: Growing Beyond Temporary Setups

Investing in infrastructure allows us to build a centralized, welcoming space that serves as a true community anchor.

Funds raised
$23,756 57%

Land & Farming Expansion: Cultivating More Than Food

More land means more farmers and to preserve agricultural heritage while addressing local food insecurity head-on.

Funds raised
$55,113 55%

very purchase supports access to healthy, culturally relevant food, hands on gardening education, and Food as Medicine programming for families across Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Baltimore Counties

The AfriThrive Store is a simple way to show what you care about. A mug in the morning. A t shirt that starts a conversation. A tote bag that carries groceries home. Most importantly, each purchase helps AfriThrive expand food access and community wellness.

Latest News & Events

AfriThrive's new refrigerated truck and trailer at December 15 unveiling ceremony with community members and Montgomery County officials

AfriThrive Adds Cold-Chain Capacity to Montgomery County’s Food Access Network

On December 15, AfriThrive unveiled a new refrigerated truck and refrigerated trailer during a community celebration in Silver Spring. The new cold chain capacity expands AfriThrive’s ability to safely transport and distribute fresh, culturally meaningful foods across the county, supporting Food as Medicine initiatives, school based food access programs, mobile food distributions, and community pantries.

Read More »

Explore Our Programs

Empowering Communities Through Culture, Nutrition, and Opportunity

AfriThrive promotes health equity and economic empowerment for African diaspora families in the Greater Baltimore–Washington, D.C. region. We provide more than just food—we create sustainable systems for well-being.

By combining culturally appropriate food, sustainable agriculture, financial education, and youth mentorship, we are disrupting the cycle of food and economic insecurity, and building stronger, healthier families one meal, one garden, and one connection at a time.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Our Mission

We BUILD vibrant and thriving African immigrant and minority families through access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food, skills development and economic opportunity.

Our Vision

To BUILD a sustainable world where every family thrives.

Our Gift of Hope

To PROVIDE hope and support to families in need through personal donations.

United Way NCA donor designation number is 9989. 
CFC donor designation code is 40961.

Our Current Partners

AfriThrive is proud to collaborate with a network of mission-driven organizations, funders, and community allies who believe in the power of cultural connection, food equity, and immigrant empowerment. These partnerships help us expand access to culturally relevant food, support African immigrant families, and grow sustainable community initiatives in Montgomery, Baltimore, and Prince George’s Counties.

Together, we are building stronger, healthier communities rooted in culture, driven by compassion, and united by purpose.

 

Interested in partnering with AfriThrive? Contact us to explore collaboration opportunities.

Be the Heart Behind the Mission

At AfriThrive, our impact is only possible because of people like you—volunteers, donors, partners, and sponsors who believe in a future where every family has access to nutritious food, cultural connection, and opportunity. Whether you want to lend your hands, share your skills, or make a financial contribution, there’s a place for you in our village.

How it works

AfriThrive identifies community needs, delivers culturally rooted programs, empowers families through education, and unites communities for lasting impact. It’s how we turn food, knowledge, and connection into thriving futures.

01. Identify Needs Within the Community

We listen first and identify urgent needs around food insecurity, health disparities, and economic instability, with a deep understanding of the cultural context.

02. Deliver Culturally Rooted Solutions

We meet needs with purpose and provide holistic programs tailored to the culture, preferences, and long-term success of every family we serve.

03. Empower Through Education

We train beginner farmers, mentor youth, teach financial wellness, and host nutrition education programs so families can take control of their well-being and economic future.

04. Strengthen Communities

We believe in collective impact. Through our It Takes a Village Initiative and partnerships, we unite communities to create lasting, sustainable change.

Voices of AfriThrive

At AfriThrive, we believe our mission is best told through the voices of those who live it. From board members to families we serve and the volunteers who give their time, each person is a vital part of our growing community. Here’s what they have to say:

Prof. Kefa Otiso Ohio

Serving on AfriThrive’s board has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I’ve seen firsthand how our programs transform families From food security to self-sufficiency. It’s not just about service; it’s about restoring dignity and building a future where every family thrives.

Elizabeth Kilwake Maryland

When I first came to Maryland, I struggled to find food that felt like home. AfriThrive not only gave us fresh African vegetables but also helped me learn how to grow them myself. They didn’t just feed my family—they gave us roots in a new place

Lydia Owiti Maryland

I signed up to volunteer at a food distribution and left with a new sense of purpose. AfriThrive is more than a nonprofit - it’s a family. Watching neighbors connect over shared heritage and fresh food was powerful. I’m proud to be part of the movement

Stay Connected. Stay Empowered.

Inspiration. Impact. Opportunities - Delivered to Your Inbox.

Want to be the first to hear about AfriThrive’s food distributions, cultural events, youth programs, and community success stories? Our monthly newsletter brings you closer to the work we’re doing and the lives we’re changing.

Join a growing community of changemakers who believe in health equity, cultural empowerment, and thriving families across Maryland and Washington, D.C.