Location
Poolesville, Maryland
AfriThrive’s mission is to advance food justice and economic opportunity for immigrant and underserved communities through increased access to healthy, culturally appropriate food, youth development, and economic empowerment—building long-term health, dignity, and resilience. AfriThrive operates a 2-acre Cultural Farm in and an additional 2 acres in Dickerson and Germantown where African indigenous crops including okra, pumpkin leaves, sweet potato leaves, and black nightshade are grown using sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. The farm functions as both a food production site and a community learning space, providing hands-on training for beginning farmers, youth, and volunteers. 1 acre is devoted to partnership with Madison Fields.
AfriThrive strengthens food security, health, and leadership in immigrant and low-income communities across Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties through culturally grounded, community-led programs. Since 2020, AfriThrive has distributed more than 2.5 million pounds of culturally appropriate foods through weekly distributions that prioritize dignity, choice, and health, resulting in higher food utilization and improved household nutrition. Our Cultural Farm in Poolesville, Maryland grows African indigenous crops using regenerative practices while serving as a hands-on learning space for beginning farmers, youth, and volunteers, expanding access to land, fresh produce, and climate-resilient food systems. AfriThrive’s Food as Medicine programming and culturally relevant cooking demonstrations support families in managing diet-related chronic conditions, with 75 percent of participants reporting improved dietary habits. Youth leadership initiatives, including TechRoots and Changemakers, build skills in agriculture, technology, and civic engagement, while the Balozi Program centers advocacy and systems change by elevating leaders with lived experience of food insecurity. Together, AfriThrive’s programs advance equitable food systems, community health, and long-term leadership development.
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