The Corbin Hill Food Project Inc

The Corbin Hill Food Project Inc (CHFP) is a nonprofit organization based in Harlem, New York City, dedicated to improving food access, justice, and sovereignty, particularly within Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Founded with the goal of connecting BIPOC growers from upstate New York to urban populations, CHFP works to disrupt the extractive and oppressive food system by promoting local food economies and equitable market opportunities for historically marginalized farmers and producers.

Mission and Vision

The mission of The Corbin Hill Food Project is to challenge and innovate within the existing food system while addressing the realities faced by communities in terms of food access, justice, and sovereignty. The organization envisions building a new food system that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable, where communities can thrive. Central to their philosophy is the belief that fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant food is a fundamental right and that food fosters community, culture, healing, and knowledge exchange. CHFP emphasizes supporting local food economies and BIPOC growers excluded from traditional markets, framing food as medicine rooted in community culture and values[1][2].

Programs and Initiatives

One of CHFP’s prominent initiatives is the Food as Medicine (FAM) project. This program aggregates and distributes fresh produce boxes twice a month to approximately 260 families in the Bronx and Harlem, focusing on low-income, food-insecure populations primarily composed of BIPOC and immigrant communities. The program collaborates with health institutions such as Mount Sinai Health System, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the Institute for Family Health’s Bronx Health REACH Project. Participants, drawn from patients at these partner organizations, receive produce for six months with the possibility of renewal. The FAM project is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and has expanded to include partnerships with community organizations such as the Fortune Society and Harlem Wellness Center. Additional components include home delivery, a participant-led Community Council, food and nutrition education, and a gifting program allowing participants to share produce boxes within their communities[4].

Financials and Status

The Corbin Hill Food Project Inc is categorized as a nonprofit operating in food, agriculture, nutrition, and free food distribution services. Donations to the organization are tax-deductible. Financially, revenue sources include contributions, program service income, and investment returns, with contributions comprising over half of total revenue in recent fiscal years. CHFP manages assets close to one million dollars, with expenses aligned with its mission to provide fresh, equitable food access[5].

Impact

For over a decade, The Corbin Hill Food Project has worked to foster healing and empowerment through food by forging connections between urban consumers and upstate BIPOC growers. Through its innovative programming and partnerships, CHFP promotes food sovereignty, cultural preservation, and community well-being, addressing food insecurity while advocating for systemic change in the food system[1][2][4].