I was amazed when I heard the work being done by Zena Nelson and the South Bronx Food Cooperative (SBxFC). A previous Women Making Moves post, focused on the North Star Fund and the work the organization does to provide funding for grassroots organizations. At a recent North Star informational event, Zena was on-hand to discuss what the co-op is doing for the Bronx community.SBxFC provides organic food products to residents of the Bronx. The organization is an alternative to the unhealthy food choices mostly available in the area. Giving residents food options that are healthy and affordable is the main focus of the co-op. Members and non-members are able to shop for organic and conventionally grown products. SBxFC also offers nutrition workshops and healthy cooking classes.
The concept of SBxFC was the brainchild of Zena Nelson. What started as a project for her MBA class at Baruch College, turned into a sustainable business that helps those who need it most. Zena entered a business contest sponsored by Baruch. After much preparation, she won first place and was awarded $20,000 to continue her goal of providing quality food choices for her community. The statics that Zena rattled off were shocking. There aren't many choices for organic and healthy food in the Bronx, but the borough ships thousands of produce and organic food to states all along the East Coast. These shipments go directly through Hunts Points. She also pointed out that the Bronx has the highest rate of asthma throughout NYC. One of the primary reasons relates directly to the hundreds of trucks shipping food to other locales except the Bronx.
The co-op is a start-up organization and while its small at the moment, members and staff are doing their best to get the word out. SBxFC has been featured in the Daily News and the New York Times. This co-op is one of the most affordable in the city. There are discounts for students, senior citizens and those receiving public assistance. This is a timely program considering the health disparities in the Black community. CNN's Soledad O'Brien highlighted the statics during her Black in America special. The work of Zena and her team is outstanding. She could have easily taken her business and marketing skills and used them to benefit herself. Instead Zena decided to positively impact the community in which she was born, raised and still resides. What an amazing woman!
Women, start making your Moves today!
The concept of SBxFC was the brainchild of Zena Nelson. What started as a project for her MBA class at Baruch College, turned into a sustainable business that helps those who need it most. Zena entered a business contest sponsored by Baruch. After much preparation, she won first place and was awarded $20,000 to continue her goal of providing quality food choices for her community. The statics that Zena rattled off were shocking. There aren't many choices for organic and healthy food in the Bronx, but the borough ships thousands of produce and organic food to states all along the East Coast. These shipments go directly through Hunts Points. She also pointed out that the Bronx has the highest rate of asthma throughout NYC. One of the primary reasons relates directly to the hundreds of trucks shipping food to other locales except the Bronx.
The co-op is a start-up organization and while its small at the moment, members and staff are doing their best to get the word out. SBxFC has been featured in the Daily News and the New York Times. This co-op is one of the most affordable in the city. There are discounts for students, senior citizens and those receiving public assistance. This is a timely program considering the health disparities in the Black community. CNN's Soledad O'Brien highlighted the statics during her Black in America special. The work of Zena and her team is outstanding. She could have easily taken her business and marketing skills and used them to benefit herself. Instead Zena decided to positively impact the community in which she was born, raised and still resides. What an amazing woman!
Women, start making your Moves today!
2 comments:
inspiring!!i love it!
Zena and the South Bronx Food Corp are definitely inspirational. I love how the community is being directly affected in a positive way. Thanks for visiting Women Making Moves!
Post a Comment