On April 24, 2025, more than 70 community members, local leaders, and funders came together at the Beauchamp Branch Library to celebrate a powerful moment of community-driven change: the conclusion of SOFSA’s second annual Food Justice Fund (FJF) grantmaking cycle. The Gather & Grant Celebration marked the end of a six-month participatory process and the beginning of seven new grassroots projects, selected by the people and funded with a total of $30,000.
Now in its second year, the Food Justice Fund is a bold reimagining of traditional grantmaking – one that centers equity, accessibility, and shared power. Designed and stewarded by a diverse community-led council, the FJF process invites residents to propose and select solutions that directly address food insecurity and systemic injustice in our region. Over six months, FJF Leadership Council members shaped funding priorities, reviewed proposals, and selected a slate of finalists to advance to a community-wide vote.
This year, 418 local residents (ages 14 and up, living in Syracuse, Onondaga County, or the Onondaga Nation) voted to decide which projects would receive funding. From food education and neighborhood farming to cultural markets and composting programs, the funded projects reflect the creativity, care, and leadership already thriving in our communities.
“The Food Justice Fund supports grassroots programs where passion and innovation intersect to help address needs that are often overlooked and even unknown to many. We’re not just supporting these projects financially – we’re showing grantees we believe in them, and letting the broader community know we’re listening.” – Amy Tao, a 2024 grantee and 2025 Leadership Council member.
The event itself was rich with connection and collaboration. Finalists shared two-minute project presentations to help funders and attendees better understand the work being led around the room. A funder roundtable followed, with leaders from local philanthropic organizations sharing honest reflections on how they’re working to reduce barriers and support grassroots applicants.
“This fund is about more than grantmaking. It’s about reshaping how we share power, build trust, and invest in the leadership already thriving in our communities. Every year, this process deepens our commitment to food justice, and we’re seeing more people step up, show up, and lead the way.” – Maura Ackerman, SOFSA’s Executive Director.
The 2025 grant total represents a 36% increase from the inaugural year, and SOFSA is working to continue this growth – not just in funding, but in connections. Unfunded applicants are being supported through referrals, introductions, and upcoming opportunities across SOFSA’s broader network.
Announcing the 2025 Food Justice Fund Grantees…
Westside Ecofarm: Cultivating Food Sovereignty
The Environmental Action Lab – ($4,250)
In an effort to foster food sovereignty, build community connection, and teach environmental stewardship, this group of educators and environmentalists will transform a vacant lot in Syracuse’s West Side into a sustainable urban farm featuring a food forest garden beds and composting stations
Feeding Soil, Feeding Syracuse
Salt City Harvest Farm – ($4,000)
This project will support our mutual aid work by improving soil, helping 20 farmers, and sharing fresh, culturally important food with local pantries. It builds a stronger local food system, makes sure farmers are paid fairly, and supports the health of the land and community.
Culturally Relevant Foods & Supplies Market
Mesopotamia Market – ($5,000)
An evening market in the Northside will connect local farmers and refugee entrepreneurs to folks in the community with limited access to fresh and culturally relevant foods. The project supports community wellness by increasing access to food, information about community resources, and providing business support. It fosters cross-cultural understanding to nurture belonging and connection.
Syracuse West Side Farmer-Owned Cooperative
Afica Pure – ($3,750)
A farmer-owned food co-op is taking root to improve food access on the West Side. At this initial phase, funding will help build capacity so the market can be sustainable, by recruiting collaborators, building relationships with farmers, and seeking other sustainable funding streams.
Seed-to-Seed Stories: Learning Hub & Podcast
AlterNative Project – ($3,500)
This project will transform years of hands-on food education into an accessible digital hub featuring workshops, how-to guides, and a new podcast series. Centered on traditional Indigenous foodways and community self-sufficiency, it will include content from a rooftop teaching garden and interviews with local food leaders. Funding will support website development, content creation, and equipment for digital and in-person programming.
2025 Food Aid Expansion
Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church – ($5,000)
An expanded food program will serve more hot meals and provide fresh produce to participants. Hot meal coaching sessions will be supplemented with deliveries of nutritious ingredients and mall cooking utensils to support folks in making their own meals. The project also supports peer navigators to deepen connection and impact.
Roots & Recipes: Nourishing Families
Thrive City Church – ($4,500)
A new community-led initiative in the Valley neighborhood aims to empower refugee, immigrant, and surrounding community families by addressing food insecurity through a holistic approach. The program offers food assistance, community food drives, culturally inclusive cooking classes, budgeting workshops, food navigation, and transportation support.
🌱 What’s Next: Plant A Seed with SOFSA
On May 19th, SOFSA will launch its annual Plant A Seed with SOFSA campaign—a peer-to-peer fundraising effort running through July 7th. Community teams and individual donors will come together to grow this movement and invest in local food justice solutions.
75% of funds raised through the campaign will go directly toward the Food Justice Fund, helping to ensure an even bigger impact in 2026 and beyond.
Want to join us in planting seeds of justice, equity, and abundance? Click here to learn more and donate.