Afromeals Foundation Receives 2025 Community Partner Award for Supporting African Refugee Families

Afromeals Foundation was honored to receive the 2025 Community Partner Award from Catholic Social Services on April 28, 2026, in recognition of its partnership with Miami Valley Meals to provide culturally appropriate meals for African refugee families.

Supporting African Refugee Families Through Culturally Relevant Meals

The collaboration between Afromeals Foundation and Miami Valley Meals was built around a simple but important belief: food is deeply connected to culture, identity, comfort, and dignity. While access to food is essential, access to familiar and culturally relevant meals can make an equally important difference for families adjusting to new environments and circumstances.

Through this partnership, African refugee families have received meals that reflect familiar flavors, ingredients, and cooking traditions. These culturally appropriate meals provide more than nourishment. For many families, they offer comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging during times of transition and uncertainty.

Why Culturally Appropriate Food Matters

At Afromeals Foundation, we believe community support should go beyond simply providing meals. It should also acknowledge and respect the people being served. Culturally relevant food can help individuals and families feel seen, valued, and understood while preserving important connections to heritage and tradition.

Food is not only about nourishment. It is also connected to memory, identity, and community. Providing culturally inclusive meal support helps create programs that center dignity alongside wellness and food access.

Partnership With Miami Valley Meals

Chef Gabi Odebode of Afromeals Foundation represented Miami Valley Meals during the recognition and expressed gratitude for the partnership and the opportunity to continue serving communities through food education, culturally inclusive meal support, and community-centered wellness initiatives.

This recognition reflects the power of collaboration and what can happen when organizations work together to create programs that center both nourishment and dignity.

About Afromeals Foundation

Afromeals Foundation is a community-based nonprofit organization serving Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, and surrounding communities through food advocacy, nutrition education, culturally relevant food initiatives, cooking classes, and wellness programming focused on improving food access and food literacy.

To support future community programs, nutrition education initiatives, and culturally relevant food access efforts through Afromeals Foundation, connect with us to learn more about sponsorship, partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming community initiatives.