WINGI
Feed'em Freedom is excited to introduce WINGI, which means Abundance in Swahili. We believe in the power of abundance and recognize its importance in supporting our Black, Brown, Native, and Indigenous communities. At the core of our mission lie food security and sovereignty, and we are reaching out to you because we see the invaluable role you play in these efforts.
Making Connections, Reducing Waste
Many community farmers, including yourselves, have expressed the need for connection to alternative systems of retail support. Often, small farms find themselves over-harvesting for farmer’s markets, leading to surplus produce, herbs, and meats beyond market demand. Unfortunately, without an alternative outlet, much of this surplus goes to waste, resulting in financial loss for farmers.
WINGI is our solution. It is a food recovery program designed to purchase surplus farmer’s market produce, herbs, and meats from farmers of the global majority and small Portland-area producers. The recovered food will be distributed to our Black Community Food Center and Rockwood Food Pantry, ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it most in our communities.
As part of WINGI, we will be hosting 26 free food markets throughout the summer. These markets are specifically aimed at supporting Black and POC identifying individuals who may not be reached by our free food stores. The food purchased through WINGI will directly contribute to the offerings at these free markets, ensuring access to fresh and nutritious food for those in need.
A People-Powered Initiative
Our long-term sustainability plan extends beyond simply redistributing surplus food. We aim to build a more resilient local food system by connecting procurement policies with global majority farmers to health services organizations and hospitals.
Your participation in WINGI would not only support our mission but also contribute to creating a more equitable and sustainable food system. We invite you to join us in this endeavor to promote abundance, food sovereignty, and community resilience.
If you're interested in participating or would like more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for considering joining the WINGI Food Program. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our communities.
Marketplace
We're excited to partner with masafresh.com to platform and showcase our fresh, locally-grown vegetables and produce to a broader audience! By cutting out the middleman, masafresh helps BIPOC farmers like us retain more of our hard-earned income while offering customers a convenient way to access our high-quality, fresh produce.
Sparrowhawk Native Plants is dedicated to restoring local ecosystems by providing gardeners with native plant options that support pollinators, improve soil health, and promote biodiversity. Their mission aligns seamlessly with our commitment to sustainable agriculture and food justice. Through this partnership, we are excited to bring affordable, climate-resilient plants to the community, fostering environmental stewardship and empowering local residents to create thriving, sustainable landscapes.
Carrots
One of our most popular veggies grown in fresh abundance and ready for your next favorite dish
$1.04/lb
Tomatoes
A crisp, fresh, global favorite guaranteed to put zest in your next meal
$1.85/lb
Asparagus
Whether a side for a savory lunch or a garnish for your next steak. Our Asparagus is fresh and delicious however you prepare it.
$5.59/lb
Potatoes
Restaurant quality potatoes for every occassion
$0.89/lb
Black Food Hub
Feed’em Freedom Foundation is creating a community food center that will aggregate the crops of small BIPOC producers and sell them collectively to food service accounts. This will allow BIPOC farmers to scale their business.
Our work in providing better community resources is rooted in restorative justice and building Black, Indigenous and People of Color led food system and economy. By understanding the needs of our community, identifying gaps in the food system, and finding ways to close the gaps, we are building the prosperity and health of historically underserved community.
HUB Initiatives
Community Food Center
The Food Center will be a place that community can not only gain access to culturally-specific food items but have access to classes and other wrap around services.
The Hub will also act as a place for local farmers to utilize space for CSA pick up and distribution.
Produce processing and Commercial kitchen
Due to the nature of the grocery wholesale business, a processor typically needs large amounts of one to several specific types of produce year-round. This project will secure equipment that will both benefit CSA members, food makers, and food service managers.
Refrigerated and frozen storage
Farmers with different microclimates, soil types and infrastructure can only supply produce seasonally. This project aims to bridge this gap with coordination, light processing (chopping, washing, etc.) and cold storage capabilities.
Peer-to-peer learning space
This project will provide peer to peer learning opportunities and space for the community to learn about aquaponics, sustainable farming practices, key produce preservation techniques, and other FFF learning programs.
Hub Network
Investing for a sustainable future
Oregon Senator Akasha Lawrence-Spence and Executive Director of Feed'em Freedom Foundation Shantae Johnson talk about the Black Community Food Center and the importance of investing in organizations doing work in their communities.
