Black Women’s Blueprint

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 Black Women’s Blueprint (BWB) a grant to participate in this initiative. 

Under this grant, BWB will expand and formalize its Food Is Medicine program to support maternal physical and mental health through nutritional, farm-fresh foods. BWB will partner with Brooklyn Packers, a food hub cooperative, to distribute farm-fresh foods and expand its reach into New York City. It will use its Sistas Mobile Van to expand community outreach methods and distribute fresh bags of produce and other food items that support maternal and post-partum health. BWB will also coordinate registered dietitians, integrative nutrition coaches, and in-house educators to provide workshops, cooking demonstrations, and educational community events focused on improving maternal and reproductive health outcomes.  

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