How was Urban Food Alliance (UFA) Born? 

 Welcome to Urban Food Alliance (UFA)! We are a community of passionate individuals who are dedicated to addressing food insecurity and its underlying factors. 

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In 2018, our founders, Mushi, and Ally Bhuiyan, discovered that food insecurity can strike anywhere, even in affluent neighborhoods. It was at a New Jersey block party that they learned about a neighbor skipping meals to stave off foreclosure. It was like finding a drought in an ocean - a sobering reminder that appearances can be deceiving.   

This realization prompted Mushi and Ally to dig deeper. They discovered that despite the existence of soup kitchens and food pantries, food insecurity was a persistent issue. According to a report from the USDA, in 2019, 13.6 percent of American households experienced food insecurity at some point during the year. 

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Establishing UFA as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in February 2019 was the Bhuiyan's proactive response. We are here to fill the gaps left by traditional systems, providing nutritious meals to those in need through partnerships with local organizations and generous individuals. 

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Our commitment to combatting food insecurity does not stop at providing meals. Shockingly, food waste is a significant issue, with 30-40 percent of the food supply in the United States going to waste, according to the US Department of Agriculture. That is like throwing away half of every grocery haul. Our initiative aims to salvage this wasted food, repurposing it to nourish our communities. 

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What sets UFA apart is our dual approach. We are not only feeding the hungry but also empowering individuals with practical skills to become self-sufficient. Imagine giving someone not just a fishing rod but also teaching them how to fish—that is our goal. Through the Workforce Development program, we teach soft and hard skills training and job preparation, we help individuals build a sustainable future. 

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At UFA, volunteering is a family affair. We encourage parents to bring their children, fostering empathy and social responsibility from an early age. Think of it as planting seeds of compassion that will blossom over time. 

We understand that some face barriers in accessing food support. That is why we are committed to delivering food directly to those in need, forging deep, meaningful connections along the way. 

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But we need your help to continue this mission. Will you stand with us in our fight against food insecurity? By donating to UFA, you are not only supporting immediate hunger relief but also investing in long-term solutions that empower individuals and uplift communities. If you cannot contribute financially, consider donating your time by volunteering with us. Together, we can transform our lives, one meal at a time. 

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Here are some ways you can help UFA: 

• Donate to our cause. Your donation will help us provide nutritious meals to those in need and support our programs that empower individuals to become self-sufficient. 

• Volunteer your time. We need volunteers to help us prepare and deliver meals and work in our community garden. 

• Spread the word. Share our story with your friends and family and encourage them to get involved. 

 

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of people who are struggling with food insecurity.  

Together, we can transform our lives, one meal at a time. 

 

Thank you for your support!