Ubuntu Nourish Nook community refrigerator stocked with fresh produce

501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

Building Stronger Communities Through Food, Education, and Empowerment.

"Ubuntu" means 'I am because we are.' We empower families to become food secure, nutrition literate, and self-sufficient.

Our Impact

Did you know?

1 in 7

U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2023

Community

Gardens growing fresh produce where people live

Plant-Based

Cooking programs celebrating culture and connection

Trauma-Informed

Nutrition education for families on a budget

Hands holding a wooden crate full of colorful fresh produce from the community garden

"Ubuntu"

I am because we are — a reflection of our shared humanity.

Our Mission

Empowering Communities to Become Food Secure

Ubuntu Food Security exists to empower clients to become food secure, nutrition literate, and self-sufficient by providing wraparound services that support their stability and resilience in the fight against poverty.

Founded by Deborah Johnson, a Plant-Based Community Nutritionist and advocate for food justice, our organization was created to address food insecurity and inequitable food access affecting families in communities of color across Westchester County and New York City.

Unity

We rise together.

Education

Knowledge empowers lasting change.

Access

Food is a human right.

Sustainability

We honor the earth that feeds us.

What We Do

Through Food Justice & Community Empowerment

We believe food is more than fuel — it's a pathway to healing, equity, and community resilience. By teaching families how to grow, prepare, and share healthy meals, we're helping to create lasting change from the ground up.

Community Gardens

We build community gardens that grow fresh produce right where people live and learn, creating sustainable food sources in underserved neighborhoods.

Nutrition Education

Trauma-informed nutrition education programs help families make healthy choices on a budget, bridging the gap between knowledge and access.

Cooking Programs

Hands-on cooking programs celebrate culture and connection, teaching families how to prepare nutritious, plant-based meals together.

Policy & Advocacy

We advocate for policy and systems change that expands access to affordable, whole-food, plant-based options in our communities.

Cooking class with nutritionist teaching diverse group to prepare plant-based meals
Community garden with raised beds full of fresh vegetables
Volunteers sorting and packing fresh produce for distribution
Community gathering around tables sharing a plant-based meal
Ubuntu Nourish Nook community refrigerator

Ubuntu Nourish Nook™

Bringing Healthy Food Closer to Home

A Community Refrigerator for Everyone

The Ubuntu Nourish Nook™ is a community refrigerator that provides free, healthy food in trusted locations such as community centers, schools, churches, libraries, and healthcare facilities.

Our mission is simple: Increase access to nutritious food while treating every person with dignity.

Make A Difference

Your Donation Creates Change

Every dollar goes directly to supporting families in Westchester County and New York City with food access, nutrition education, and community programs.

Beautiful arrangement of fresh plant-based foods on a wooden table

Donate via Benevity

We're on Benevity! See if your company matches donations to Ubuntu Food Security. Many companies will match your donation, doubling your impact at no extra cost.

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