The Importance of Mutual Aid
The Free Community Food Program was birthed in the summer 2018.
I was a student activIst, organizing protests around the removal of the bust of Nathan Bedford Forest. I was fighting a state case after being arrested a protest and then an ephiphany happened. I want to do more than just speak. More than just talk. I want to build something tangible that will benefit the people right away. Long term policies are essential and should be advocated for but there are crtical and urgent issues that impede marginilied communtities. Healthcare, housing, food. I figured that food would be the quickest way to create impact.
I connected with the late Bishop Marcus Campbell and cultivated a partnership, providing a free meal service for children 2-18 at his church's yearly summer camp. Since 2018, we fed hundreds of children, serving over 25,000 meals.
The Black Panther Party: Free Breakfast Program
I have proudly followed the blueprint of the Black Panther Party. The BPP was created in October 1966 in Oakland, California, Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale. Initially founded as the Black Panther Party for Self Defense ,its early purpose was to patrol communities and protect Black people from police brutality, influenced by Malcolm X's philosophy of self-determination. The party quickly evolved into a revolutionary group with a socialist ideology, outlined in their Ten-Point Program, that also focused on community "survival programs" like free breakfast for children. I'd like to think that we are continuing their efforts and philosophy of self sustainability and the practice of FUBU (For Us By Us) now in 2025.
"First you have free breakfasts, then you have free medical care, then you have free bus rides, and soon you have freedom"
-Fred Hampton Sr.
BPP Chairman, Chicago Chapter
Join us as we continue the work!
In Solidarity,
Jeneisha C. Harris
Free Community Food Program Founder and Director
Upcoming Events
We’re back and in year 7 of providing a free meal service for children during the summer months in North Nashville. We are currently in our off season but due to the current food crisis and recent SNAP cutoffs, we’ll be filling in the gaps where we can.
On November 22nd, we’ll be providing free holiday boxes to families in North Nashville. Boxes will include 1 whole turkey, turnip greens, canned corn, canned yams, canned string beans, cranberry dressing, macaroni, dessert, a gallon of milk and a case of water.
We’re partnering with our long term collaborator, the Church at Mt Carmel, to distribute the items for pickup.
To donate, volunteer or learn more about the work that we do, please visit the website link below.
Join us as we continue the work and blueprint of our predecessors. To sustain our own communities, to practice FUBU in real time.
