Foodlink
Foodlink is a non-profit organization that provides food assistance, promotes healthy communities, and offers career training in the food industry.
Services
Foodlink offers a variety of services designed to provide food assistance and promote healthier communities. These services include the safe storage and distribution of emergency food through a network of food bank members and community partners. Additionally, Foodlink runs innovative programs that create new access points to nutritious foods and empower individuals to make healthy choices. Foodlink also prepares thousands of healthy meals daily for Rochester students, day cares, and other community-based programs through the Foodlink Community Kitchen.
Programs and Initiatives
Foodlink is actively involved in several programs and initiatives aimed at creating a more just and equitable food system. The Foodlink Community Café operates as a 'pay-it-forward' restaurant, supported by Foodlink’s culinary apprentices. The Curbside Market is another notable initiative, serving as a mobile market that brings fresh, affordable food to communities in Rochester and the surrounding area. Additionally, Foodlink hosts Pop-Up Pantries to provide emergency food relief in areas with limited access to traditional food pantries.
Career Empowerment and Advocacy
Foodlink drives change through bold career empowerment initiatives and advocacy. One flagship program is the Foodlink Career Fellowship, a unique culinary training program designed to create pathways to prosperity for individuals facing barriers to sustainable employment. Through this fellowship and other advocacy efforts, Foodlink works towards creating a more equitable food system for all.
Urban Agriculture and Nutrition Education
Foodlink manages the Foodlink Community Farm, a 1.6-acre urban agriculture campus located in northwest Rochester. This campus includes a large community garden, a commercial growing operation, and a public pocket park and play area. In addition to urban agriculture, Foodlink provides nutrition education through workshops and accessible educational opportunities aimed at fostering healthier eating habits and lifestyle choices.