Program Initiatives
Community Centered Approach
POP-UP BODEGA Inititive
The Pilot Pop-Up Bodega Program by Bodega Cares brings essential resources directly to underserved communities through mobile, neighborhood-focused hubs. These pop-ups are designed to resemble familiar bodegas, offering a welcoming and accessible environment where residents can access vital services such as legal assistance, health screenings, food distribution, and educational materials. By partnering with local businesses and organizations, the program fosters trust and strengthens community ties while addressing urgent needs. Flexible and mobile, the Pop-Up Bodegas ensure support reaches the heart of neighborhoods, promoting equity and resilience in New York City.
FutureMakers NYC: Youth Innovation and Leadership Labs
Bodega Cares is equipping New York City’s youth with the skills, tools, and confidence to become tomorrow's leaders and changemakers. Through hands-on workshops and real-world experiences, we teach problem-solving, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Our Design Thinking Workshops empower young people to creatively address challenges in their communities, while Entrepreneurship Bootcamps guide them in turning ideas into businesses, complete with micro-grants to launch their startups or community projects. By supporting this program, you’re investing in the next generation of innovators who will shape a brighter, more resilient future for NYC.
Mentorship
Bodega Cares’ Table to Neighbor initiative tackles food waste and food insecurity by rescuing surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, and bodegas and redistributing it to families in need. Through eco-friendly transportation, pop-up distribution hubs, and mobile markets like "Fresh on Wheels," the program ensures fresh, culturally relevant foods reach underserved communities. It goes beyond food rescue by offering engaging workshops on reducing waste, creative cooking classes, and composting initiatives that transform waste into resources for urban gardens. By joining or supporting this initiative, you’re helping NYC adopt sustainable habits while feeding those in need, creating a healthier, waste-free city for all.
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