Dr. Truphena Choti, PhD and Dr. Charles Choti have founded Afri Thrive, a non-profit organization that offers free food to Kenyans and other African immigrants in the United States. Their initiative aims to support and assist African immigrants as they settle in a new country.
By distributing organic and culturally appropriate foodstuffs, Afri Thrive has made a significant impact on the community.
Here is the couple’s story as told by WoK;
Expanding Reach and Supporting African Immigrants
Afri Thrive has expanded its operations to serve African immigrants in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. The organization provides guidance and support to help immigrants navigate socio-economic challenges, access suitable food, and find appropriate neighborhoods.
The organization primarily assists immigrants from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and the Caribbean.
By providing meals and support, the organization strives to alleviate challenges and foster a sense of belonging within the community.
Personal Inspiration and Challenges
Truphena Choti’s personal experiences as an immigrant parent in the United States inspired her to found Afri Thrive. Overcoming the challenges faced by her own children in the education system and the difficulty of finding culturally appropriate foods fueled her motivation.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed new obstacles, highlighting existing inequalities in food, healthcare, housing, education, and the economy. To overcome these challenges, Afri Thrive seeks to build capacity, fundraise, and develop innovative solutions to efficiently distribute food and reach more families.
Growing Food and Expanding Distribution
Afri Thrive manages a two-acre farm where they cultivate various crops, including Managu, beans, pumpkin, maize, and tomatoes. This farm serves as a source of fresh produce for their distribution efforts.
The organization has established three distribution points in Washington DC and collaborates with other non-profit organizations to access additional food resources.
Through the help of volunteers and partnerships, Afri Thrive has distributed over one million pounds of food.
Future Goals and Community Impact
Afri Thrive’s ultimate goal is to establish a community kitchen in Kenya to provide meals for school-going children from families struggling to sustain themselves.
The organization aims to create economic opportunities and empower underserved African immigrant communities in the Greater Washington, DC area.
Afri Thrive envisions a transformed food system that promotes equity, healthy living, and community engagement.
