Mandela Produce Distribution (MPD)
Mandela Produce Distribution (MPD) is a community based food hub located in West Oakland that exists to build the economic power of small local farms. Since 2016, we have been connecting farmers to customers who are committed to local and sustainable sourcing. By supporting the important work of local farmers, we mitigate the challenges of a global supply chain and build an infrastructure for a more equitable and resilient food system rooted in authentic relationships.
Farmer Network
We prioritize working with limited-resource farmers of color within 150 miles of our food hub. For farmers of color, the ability to access resources is even more challenging because of the history and present reality of racism and inequality in the US. BIPOC farmers do not have the same access to generational wealth, face discrimination in lending, and may have more difficulty accessing markets and technical support.
Mandela Partners
As a project of the non-profit Mandela Partners, we are able to leverage both income and grants to ensure fair pricing for our farmer network, while securing access to affordable, high quality produce for community members, regardless of their means, through Mandela Partners food access programs.
Weaving of Us
Our teammates at Mandela Partners spoke with supporters and family farmers with first-hand experience of our work. Check out their stories here!
