What does Community Food Advocates do?

Community Food Advocates (CFA) is a nonprofit organization based in New York City, dedicated to addressing food insecurity and poverty through public policy advocacy. Founded in 2010, CFA operates with a team of 11-20 employees and an annual budget of approximately $1.3 million, supported by foundation grants and individual donations. CFA's mission is to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods within an equitable food system. The organization focuses on several key areas, including advocating for improved school meals, increasing access to quality supermarkets in underserved neighborhoods, and leading the Good Food Purchasing Program to promote values-based food procurement. Additionally, CFA emphasizes youth leadership development, providing opportunities for young people to engage in systemic change within the school system. Through strategic coalition building and community engagement, CFA aims to create meaningful policy changes that address the root causes of food insecurity.