Sankofa Village Community Garden

"Our mission is to disrupt systems that have created food apartheid in historically divested areas of Pittsburgh through equitable grant-making and resourcing for farmers in the global majority.”

The Pittsburgh Eco-Agriculture Leaders Initiative (PEALI) is committed to partnering with BIPOC farmers and food retailers to promote a more just food system.  We firmly believe that those who bear the weight of systemic inequalities are in the best position to lead the way towards change. Our process shifts decision-making power to our committee members, so they can ensure that the resources we provide are responsive to the community's needs and that the proposed solutions are grounded in local knowledge and expertise.

Through this participatory process, we have witnessed the transformative power of community-led solutions. Our grant-making committee has had a significant impact by supporting small-scale agriculture and improving access to healthy food in underserved areas. We are honored to be part of a movement that recognizes the crucial role played by BIPOC farmers and food retailers in creating a more equitable and fair food system.



Becka Manglanathan
Executive Director

Our work in PEALI is aligned with our values of:

  • Community  

  • Justice  

  • Stable Food Systems  

  • Growth  

  • Determination