Healthy Food Initiatives

Together We Grow. Together We Thrive.

At AfriThrive, we believe access to healthy, culturally relevant food is a right, not a privilege. Through mobile outreach, school partnerships, and nutrition-driven programming, we work to close the health and hunger gap in the communities we serve.

Mobile Food Pantry

AfriThrive’s Mobile Food Pantry brings a Choice Pantry experience directly into neighborhoods across Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Baltimore Counties. Families can select the foods that best meet their needs, just like they would at a grocery store—preserving dignity while expanding access to fresh, culturally familiar produce and pantry staples.

By bringing food directly to communities, we reduce transportation barriers and support households in making healthy, empowered choices. Whether it’s leafy greens or shelf-stable essentials, the Mobile Pantry helps families grow stronger and thrive together.

School Based Distributions

We partner with schools to provide regular food distributions that support student nutrition and family well-being. These events offer fresh vegetables, fruits, and essentials for home cooking. When children are well-fed, they are better prepared to learn, grow, and thrive.

Through our “Food Is Medicine” approach, we connect families with fresh, healing foods that support the management of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Working alongside community health professionals, we empower individuals to use nutrition as a foundation for long-term health.

"It wasn’t just about what I was eating...It was the whole process - getting my hands in the dirt, growing my own food, and reconnecting with my culture. It gave me something to look forward to every day."
Elizabeth Kilwake

Food is more than nourishment – it’s culture, connection, and care. Your support helps us keep the promise that everyone deserves access to the food that helps them grow and thrive.

Donation Needed

$23,756

Goal : $50,000

48%

Your donation supports our Mobile Food Pantry and Choice Pantry model, bringing fresh, culturally familiar foods into neighborhoods where access is limited. It helps us reach schools with healthy food distributions that nourish students and support entire households. And it powers our Food Is Medicine program, connecting families with the nutrition they need to manage chronic illness and build healthier lives.

Become a Volunteer

Volunteer to Support Food Distribution with AfriThrive

Volunteer Opportunities Available:

  • Montgomery County
    Every Friday, 9–11 AM

  • Baltimore County
    2nd & 4th Sundays, 2–4 PM

  • Prince George’s County
    1st & 3rd Sundays, 1–3 PM

F. A. Q's

Get Involved, Get Informed

Everything You Need to Know About AfriThrive’s Healthy Food Programs and How You Can Help Families Grow and Thrive.

AfriThrive’s Healthy Food Initiative is a community-driven program that delivers fresh, culturally relevant food to families across Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Baltimore Counties. It includes a Mobile Choice Pantry, school-based food distributions, and a Food Is Medicine program that supports chronic disease prevention and wellness through nutrition.

  • Montgomery County
    Every Friday, 9–11 AM

  • Baltimore County
    2nd & 4th Sundays, 2–4 PM

  • Prince George’s County
    1st & 3rd Sundays, 1–3 PM

A Choice Pantry allows individuals to select the foods that work best for their household, similar to a grocery store, rather than receiving pre-packed boxes. This model preserves dignity and better meets dietary and cultural needs.

You can make a donation to help us continue providing fresh food, or you can help spread the word by sharing our events and mission on social media. Every bit of support helps us grow stronger communities.

Yes. We welcome volunteer groups from schools, businesses, faith-based groups, and community organizations. Just let us know in advance so we can coordinate your visit.

No experience is necessary. We’ll give you everything you need to feel confident and prepared to help. Volunteers should be at least 16 years old, or accompanied by an adult if younger.

By signing up to volunteer with AfriThrive, you agree to the following terms and conditions. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety, well-being, and dignity of all volunteers, staff, and community members we serve.

1. Eligibility

  • Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.

  • Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult.

  • Group volunteers must designate a group leader responsible for coordinating with AfriThrive staff.

2. Conduct Expectations

  • Treat all participants, fellow volunteers, and staff with respect, compassion, and professionalism.

  • Refrain from discriminatory language, harassment, or any form of misconduct.

  • Follow instructions from AfriThrive staff and team leads at all times.

  • Maintain the confidentiality and privacy of any personal information shared during your service.

3. Health and Safety

  • Volunteers must be in good health and free from any contagious illness on the day of their shift.

  • Volunteers may be asked to wear gloves, closed-toe shoes, or follow additional safety guidelines depending on the activity.

  • In the event of an emergency, AfriThrive staff will provide guidance and respond accordingly.

4. Waiver and Release

By volunteering, you agree to hold harmless AfriThrive, its staff, partners, and representatives from any liability, claims, or demands arising out of your participation in volunteer activities. You understand that volunteering may involve physical activity and assume all risk of injury or loss.

5. Media Release

AfriThrive may take photos or videos during volunteer activities. By participating, you grant permission for your image to be used in promotional materials, unless you notify us in writing prior to your volunteer date.

6. Cancellations and No-Shows

If you are unable to attend your scheduled volunteer shift, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. Repeated no-shows may affect your ability to volunteer in the future.

We strive to distribute as much food as possible during each event. When there are leftovers, we ensure they continue serving the community. Depending on the type and condition of the food, we:

  • Redirect it to local shelters, churches, or partner organizations that serve families in need.

  • Offer it to volunteers and staff to reduce waste and support those helping us serve.

  • Compost any fresh produce that is no longer suitable for distribution, in alignment with our sustainability values.

Nothing is wasted. Every leftover item is either shared, repurposed, or responsibly handled to honor our donors' generosity and our community's needs.

AfriThrive welcomes a variety of donations that help us support families, promote food equity, and grow sustainable solutions in our communities. Here’s how you can give:

1. Monetary Donations

Financial contributions are the most flexible and impactful way to support our work. They help us purchase fresh produce, maintain our mobile pantry, run educational programs, and respond to urgent needs.
Donate securely at: www.afrithrive.org

2. In-Kind Food Donations

We accept non-expired, unopened items that align with our mission to provide healthy and culturally relevant foods. This may include:

  • Fresh produce

  • Shelf-stable grains (rice, maize meal, beans)

  • Canned fruits and vegetables (low sodium preferred)

  • Culturally significant items like plantains, cassava flour, or African spices

Note: We do not accept perishable meat, alcohol, or expired goods.

3. Supplies and Equipment

We're always in need of items that support our operations, such as:

  • Reusable grocery bags

  • Gardening tools and gloves

  • Compost bins

  • Cooking demonstration supplies

  • Children’s books or materials for school programs

4. Services and Expertise

We encourage professionals who can offer services, such as nutritionists, translators, graphic designers, educators, or farmers, to contact us. Your skills help us grow smarter and stronger.

No, AfriThrive does not currently operate a shelter. However, we are actively working toward expanding our impact. We’ve launched a capital campaign to renovate a community building that will serve as a central hub for our food distribution, education, and family support services. While it won’t function as a shelter, this space will provide vital resources, workshops, and a safe, welcoming environment for families in need.

If you'd like to support this vision, we welcome donations to our capital campaign. Together, we can build a space that empowers families to grow, heal, and thrive.