Free community program
Nourish
Supporting Black mothers through food access, nutrition education, wellness resources, and culturally relevant support.
Nourishing mothers. Uplifting Black farmers.
Nourishing FamiliesEmpowering Communities
Project MANNA advances Black maternal health, food justice, and community empowerment across Appalachia through nutrition, education, and community-driven programs.
About Project MANNA
Two urgent needs. One community answer.
Project MANNA uplifts Black farmers in Appalachia while improving perinatal health outcomes for Black women through nutrition-focused interventions. By sourcing healthy, farm-based products directly from Black farmers and distributing them to Black mothers, we address food access and farmer visibility together.
The result is economic opportunity and community recognition for Black producers across Appalachia — and culturally relevant, nutrition-based support for mothers facing persistent maternal health disparities.
Our mission
Advance Black maternal health, food justice, health equity, and community empowerment throughout Appalachia.
1%
Black farmers make up just 1% of U.S. farmers today — down from 14% in 1920, the result of systemic racism and exclusion from agricultural markets.
Programs & Initiatives
Rooted in community, growing outward.
From mothers' tables to college campuses and global health, our programs connect nourishment, education, and equity.
$10 per semester
College Life
A membership-based student program offering mentorship, networking, leadership development, professional growth, community service opportunities, and wellness resources.
Global health
Project ENIS
Global health initiatives supporting community health and equity beyond Appalachia.
Students
Student Education & Workforce Development
Programs that prepare students through education, professional development, leadership opportunities, and community engagement.
AS
Dr. Aliyah T. Smith
Leadership
Meet Dr. Aliyah T. Smith
Founder
Dr. Aliyah Smith is a public health scholar, researcher, and community advocate dedicated to advancing health equity through research, education, community engagement, and systems change.
She founded Project MANNA to connect Black mothers with Black farmers and improve food access and maternal health outcomes throughout Appalachia.
Combining scholarship with community-based action.
Her experience spans academic research, community health, Native American public health, and workforce development.
"When we feed mothers from the hands of our own farmers, the whole community grows."
Project MANNA
Our impact
Measured in meals, harvests, and healthier beginnings.
Community stories, measurable outcomes, annual reports, and research that show how Project MANNA is changing food access and maternal health across Appalachia.
Mothers
Nourished through farm-fresh food and nutrition education
Farmers
Gaining market access and community recognition
Students
Mentored through College Life and workforce programs
Research
Measuring outcomes to advance maternal health equity
Our work
Programs, partnerships & advocacy in action.
A look at the events, community engagement, and collaborations behind our mission.
Nourish
Community food distribution
Education
Nutrition & wellness workshops
Partnerships
Black farmer partnerships
College Life
Student leadership & mentorship
Community voices
Stories from our table.
Testimonial placeholder — a mother shares how fresh, local food and nutrition support made a difference during her pregnancy.
Nourish participant
Johnson City, TN
Testimonial placeholder — a partner farmer describes new customers and visibility gained through Project MANNA.
Partner farmer
Appalachia
Testimonial placeholder — a College Life member reflects on mentorship, networking, and leadership growth.
College Life member
Student
Events & news
Where our community gathers.
Upcoming events
Community gatherings & food distributions
Nourish distributions, wellness workshops, and community celebrations. Dates will be announced here and on Instagram.
Volunteer
Volunteer opportunities
Help pack produce boxes, support events, and connect with families across the region.
Apply to volunteer →News
News & updates
Program milestones, partnerships, and research updates from across Appalachia.
Stay connected
Join our newsletter for events, volunteer opportunities, and stories from the field.
Resources
Knowledge that feeds change.
Research, publications, and reports supporting our mission. Documents will be posted here as they're released — request any resource by email in the meantime.
Research
Studies on Black maternal health, nutrition, and food access in Appalachia.
Request access →Publications
Articles and papers from Project MANNA leadership and collaborators.
Request access →Educational resources
Nutrition guides, wellness tools, and materials for mothers and families.
Request access →Annual reports
Transparent updates on outcomes, partnerships, and how support is used.
Request access →Get involved
There's a seat at this table for you.
Volunteer
Support distributions, events, outreach, and community programming.
Apply to volunteer →Intern
Gain hands-on public health, research, and nonprofit experience.
Apply for an internship →Partner
Farms, health providers, universities, and organizations can collaborate with us.
Start a partnership →Join College Life
Mentorship, networking, and leadership for students — $10 per semester.
Sign up →Donate & sponsor
Help fill a mother's table — and a farmer's market.
Every gift purchases farm-fresh food from Black farmers and delivers it to Black mothers, while supporting nutrition education, student programs, and research across Appalachia.
Give today Become a sponsor
Secure online giving is coming soon. Until then, our team will respond personally with giving options.
Contact
Let's grow something together.
Apply to volunteer or intern, propose a partnership, join College Life, or simply say hello.