Red Hook Initiative

Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. However, stark disparities persist by race and ethnicity, and communities of color experience disproportionately high rates of food insecurity and diet-related disease. The communities most affected by these disparities often have the best solutions to improving food equity. However, systemic barriers often exist, and historically, organizations led by people of color have not had equal access to or benefited from traditional philanthropy funds and resources. In 2024, NYHealth issued an inaugural Request for Proposals (RFP), “Healthy Food, Healthy Lives: Supporting a More Equitable Food System,” to advance racial health equity in the food system. NYHealth awarded the Red Hook Initiative (RHI) a grant to participate in this initiative. 

Under this grant, RHI will partner with New York University (NYU) Family Health Centers and the Red Hook Community Health Network (RHCHN) to pilot the Red Hook Food Rx Program. The program will increase Red Hook community members’ ability to purchase healthy, nutrient-rich meals for themselves and their families while leveraging the local resources of a community-led urban farm. RHCHN will distribute weekly $25 coupons to 30 Red Hook individuals or families experiencing food insecurity to redeem for fresh vegetables, fruit, and eggs at RHI’s weekly farm stand. Outreach staff will screen interested individuals or families and enroll eligible participants. 

See a full list of grantees working to advance racial health equity in the food system.