The Global Food and Drink Initiative

A Mission for the Future
The Global Food and Drink Initiative (GFDI) is a James Beard Award-winning 501c3 nonprofit with the mission of celebrating food cultures and preserving food histories of the African diaspora through its impact pillars of storytelling, education and advocacy.
Its pioneering work celebrates global Black food cultures that are essential to the story of America and the world and rooted in truth, celebration, connection, creativity and ingenuity that shows the sustaining strength of Black people who have built, informed and influenced our foodways of today.
Most importantly, we are preserving Black history of global Black food cultures through education and documentation to ensure visibility and accessibility to everyone and future generations.
Celebrating Black Food Culture
Cuisine Noir became the first Black food media outlet in 2009 to celebrate Black food cultures while amplifying voices and stories throughout Black communities globally.
With more than 1000 stories preserved between its digital platform and print publications, Cuisine Noir continues to lead the way in connecting the African diaspora through food, drink and travel.
The true power of storytelling is when we can hear one’s story unapologetically in their own words and the Diaspora Food podcast was created to do just that.
Launched in 2022, GFDI continues to move its mission of celebrating and preserving Black food history by providing a platform for stories to be told by those how live them and in languages that bring them to life.
Preserving Black Food History Takes Global Support!
There has never been a better time than now to make sure important Black food history is preserved for current and future generations. Supporting our work through a donation is a powerful act in helping us to celebrating our rich food cultures and amplify Black voices.
The Global Food and Drink Initiative is a registered 501c3. All donations are 100% tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
The Global Food Learning Hub

Feeding Our Nations – The History of Black Food
From Africa to the Caribbean, the U.S., Canada and everywhere else worldwide, all foodways created by people of African descent tell the story of Black chefs and cooks and most importantly Black food.

The Global Food Learning Hub Creates Space for Education and Preservation
Learn about Black food cultures from throughout the African diaspora that have created today’s cuisines in one centralized location.