Multicultural Refugee Coalition
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Entrepreneur Grant: $5,000
Two-time grant recipient New Leaf Agriculture, a nonprofit social enterprise of Austin's Multicultural Refugee Coalition, reconnects refugees with farming heritage to fair wage, dignified employment opportunities. On a 12-acre regenerative farm in Litting, New Leaf Agriculture trains Central Texas refugees in organic and sustainable farming via a paid apprenticeship program.
Grant funds will allow New Leaf Agriculture to develop a line of sustainable, shelf-stable pantry goods based on the cooking traditions of refugee team members. The canned, dried, and fermented foods will reduce food waste, introduce the Central Texas market to unique foods, and increase employment opportunities for the communities the nonprofit serves.