The Origin of Feed Black Futures
Feed Black Futures was born out of crisis and collective action. In 2020, as COVID-19 lockdowns reshaped daily life, they also exposed the deep fractures in our food system. Job losses, supply chain disruptions, and the collapse of support networks left more people food insecure than ever before. At the same time, the Movement for Black Lives was mobilizing against the state sanctioned murders of Black people and the relentless violence of the carceral system. Against this backdrop of heightened urgency and struggle, we launched as a grassroots campaign to provide culturally relevant, nutritious food to 20 families impacted by incarceration in Los Angeles, in partnership with Essie Justice Group.
What started as a small effort quickly grew into something much bigger. We set out to raise $10,000 through crowdfunding—and instead, the outpouring of community support brought in $90,000. That overwhelming response made one thing clear: this work needed to continue. With that momentum, Feed Black Futures was officially founded by Ali Anderson, with major support from Ms. Melinda Johnson, Ms. Betty McKay, Meron Tebeje, Delaine Powerful, Jamilah Felix, and Arissa Hall to build a long-term infrastructure for Black food sovereignty.
As our vision expanded, so did our impact. In 2021, we moved our headquarters to the Bay Area and scaled our operations, reaching over 200 families across five counties in California. We didn’t just distribute food—we planted the seeds for lasting change. We began building edible gardens, sending community members to farmer training programs, and investing deeply in Black food economies. Our goal was not just to feed people but to resource and equip them with the means to grow their own food, reclaim land stewardship, and build collective power.
In February 2024, Sophi Wilmore joined as Co-Executive Director, marking a new chapter of growth. With a strengthened team and deepened roots, we continue to expand our work, not just nourishing communities but transforming the systems that determine who has access to land, food, and self-determination. Feed Black Futures began as an urgent response to crisis, but it has always been about something bigger: the long fight for Black liberation, food sovereignty, and a future where our communities thrive.
Sophi Wilmore (left) and Ali Anderson (right)
“With a strengthened team and deepened roots, we continue to expand our work, not just nourishing communities but transforming the systems that determine who has access to land, food, and self-determination.”
Where We Are Now
Today, our work is breaking cycles of food insecurity and dependence by resourcing our communities through mutual aid, emergency food support, farmer training, and resource connection. We are shifting power by engaging our Leadership Council and members in advocacy and political education, strengthening Black food ecosystems and ensuring community-led transformation. We are building networks of food growers, land stewards, and organizers to guarantee food security and resilience for our members. And we are supporting our communities in collectively governing and stewarding land, creating sustainable, equitable systems that ensure our futures are in our own hands.
Our work is about more than food—it’s about liberation, healing, and reclaiming what was taken. Learn more about our mission and impact by visiting our About Us page
Our work is about more than food—it’s about liberation, healing, and reclaiming what was taken. Learn more about our mission and impact by visiting our About Us page
