Green Card Voices is a local non-profit organization that uplifts the stories of immigrants living in the Twin Cities and around the US. We’re thrilled to be partnering with them to tell the stories of three local immigrants who own local food businesses in the Twin Cities: Naima Dhore of Naima’s Farm and Somali American Farmers Association, Ruhel Islam of Gandhi Mahal and Curry in a Hurry, and Belén Rodriguez of Quebracho Empanadas.
In September, they joined us for a virtual panel discussion about the immigrant experience in our community, owning a food business and weathering through the pandemic and civil unrest of 2020. Short videos of their stories can be found on our website at tccp.coop/green-card-food-voices.
Through the next three issues of Cultivate, we’ll spotlight one of these business owners and share a recipe that reminds them of home.
Naima is a first-generation farmer, activist, and educator committed to looking after mother earth and community building. She is the Program Director at Somali American Farmers Association and owner of Naima’s Farm LLC, where she supports the next Somali American farmers. Naima is passionate about organic farming and inspiring young people to become future farmers, specifically people from immigrant communities in Minnesota. As a director, Naima’s vision comes from the lack of access disadvantaged communities have to farmer’s markets. This hinders their ability to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. By addressing this disparity, Naima is able to help those facing food insecurity while continuing to educate immigrant communities by providing nutrition workshops at public forums about sustainable agricultural practices, organic farming techniques, and spreading awareness on healthy eating habits as well as the environmental, health impact in the community across the state of Minnesota.