Anti-Food Apartheid Mission

Christopher Means is organizing this fundraiser.

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What We Know

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 24 million people in the United States live in areas without access to supermarkets or stores that sell a variety of affordable and healthy food options. These areas are generally identified as food deserts and food swamps, thus creating food apartheid. The effects on the health and wellness in these communities have led to alarming rates of heart disease, obesity, and type 1&2 diabetes. In today’s pandemic climate, health crises have been exacerbated by the greater spread of covid-19, particularly in zip codes located in the East New York & Brownsville parts of Brooklyn, Harlem, and the South Bronx.

Most Affected in NYC

The Black and Brown low-income communities in New York City are hardest hit by food apartheid via socioeconomic markers called redlining. The affected low-income communities of color experience the worst health outcomes, often due to food insecurity, and as a result of the lack of healthy food options. In a recent study by the Society for Neuroscience, the high levels of saturated fats found in food swamps, food deserts, and school lunches, actually impair learning and memory. This in turn affects the educational performance of our youth.

Truck Fundraising Initiative

By All Means Leadership Alliance, Inc (BAMLA), is going to support our communities in transforming food apartheid. We will empower our families, friends, and neighbors to embrace nutritional health and to eat with intention. We are raising funds to implement a food truck to deliver 100 (minimum), FREE meals and healthy options to NYC boroughs. This truck will be used to directly provide healthy food options in food deserts and food swamps. When the truck arrives, the communities will get to experience chef-inspired healthy (Vegan & Vegetarian) meals which will be easy to replicate in their daily lives.

$65,000 (Truck, Wrap, Equipment and Customization)

$10,000 (BOH Supplies, Equipment, and Inventory)

$25,000 (Insurance, Licenses, Lot Fees and Permits)

$50,000 (GoFundMe Fees & Service Charges)

The Mission

The engine driving this food justice program is Bamlainc.org. Our mentors, youth leaders, and a highly customized food truck will apply culinary science in the fight against food injustice throughout NYC boroughs. New York’s food & beverage specialists and local community farming organizations will conduct "Learning Labs" that teach the next generation of community leaders and entrepreneurs the culinary, farming, and business skills needed to build self-sustaining neighborhoods in food growth, distribution, and consumption.

Youth Mentorship at Work

BAMLA is a nonprofit that develops young people of color into leaders who do service within their communities. We foster the growth and well-being of youth and advocates through leadership development, educational initiatives, and social justice programs.

Please help us make a difference in the communities affected by food deserts and food swamps by supporting our Anti-Food Apartheid mission. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated. Also, please share with three friends.

Thank you,
Christopher Means | Founder