Silver Spring, MD, November 29, 2023 —  AfriThrive Inc., a Maryland-based food and economic justice nonprofit, is thrilled to announce the receipt of a significant grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The grant, totaling $425,000 over two years, is set to launch a new program to support beginner immigrant and refugee farmers. The program emphasizes conservation and sustainable farming practices, with a special focus on increasing the cultivation of culturally appropriate fruits and vegetables.

In partnership with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, AfriThrive will expand its offerings to include extensive training and resources for New Americans entering the agricultural sector. This collaboration marries AfriThrive’s expertise in community agriculture with the academic and technical strengths of the university, creating a formidable force in agricultural education, outreach and empowerment.

This initiative not only aims to empower underserved New American communities through cultural farming but also to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices. AfriThrive is dedicated to creating significant, positive impacts in the lives of Black immigrant and refugee farmers across the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) region. “Our organization is aware of the unique challenges underserved immigrant communities face in this country,” says Dr. Truphena Choti, CEO/Founder of AfriThrive. “We are deeply committed to providing tailored support, resources, and training to meet their unique needs.”

Dr. Choti elaborates on their focused approach: “By centering our efforts on the DMV area, AfriThrive can customize programs to align with the region’s specific agricultural and cultural dynamics. This ensures our work is both effective and impactful.” She further explains the broader significance of their initiatives: “What we do at AfriThrive goes beyond mere agricultural support. It’s about building bridges – to economic opportunities, community integration, and sustainable livelihoods for those starting anew in the DMV.”

Dr. Choti concludes with a reflection on the significance of the recent USDA award: “This grant is a powerful affirmation of our vision and work. It enables us to expand our impact, particularly in conservation and sustainable farming, within our Black immigrant communities. This is a monumental step towards ensuring that our community has the resources and knowledge to thrive sustainably.”

The New Farmer program will offer a range of services, including hands-on training in sustainable agriculture, access to land and farming resources, and education on conservation techniques. Additionally, it will provide a platform for cultural exchange and community building, fostering a supportive network for New American farmers. 

For more information on the USDA’s initiatives and to view the full list of selected projects, please visit usda.gov.

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About AfriThrive Inc.:

AfriThrive Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing, connecting, and empowering communities to create sustainability-focused solutions. Our approach involves enhancing local food systems to tackle issues of hunger, poverty, and health. By advocating for and aiding sustainable, community-driven agricultural practices, we facilitate access to healthy culturally appropriate food, strengthen the local economy, and promote overall community well-being. 

For more information on AfriThrive’s initiatives please visit www.afrithrive.org or follow @afrithrive.inc on Instagram and @AfriThriveInc on Facebook.  

Press Contact:

Dr. Truphena Choti, PhD

AfriThrive Inc.

info@afrithrive.org

240-706-1517