About
Who We Are.
Buddy System was founded in March of 2020 in response to the unprecedented needs of our Miami community due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the increasing numbers of food-insecure households and homebound individuals, we took innovative action to help feed the most vulnerable amongst us.
With our Homebound Food Access program, Buddy System has placed thousands of homebound individuals with volunteer neighbors who can provide them with free, healthy food. As of April 1st, 2021 we have established ten Community Fridges in Miami-Dade County. These fridges are changing the landscape of food injustice, existing in food deserts with a simple message: take what you need, leave what you can.
Founded by a group of Miami artists and community organizers, we hope to use our unique viewpoints to continue to use art to destigmatize the shame of receiving help. At Buddy System, we believe that food is a right, not a privilege.
Our Mission.
The health and well-being of our communities are at the forefront of our mission. As a young, new nonprofit, we believe that creativity and social services can go hand in hand.
Our Vision.
We hope to continue to look beyond the traditional avenues of food assistance, creating innovative programs and spaces that allow community ownership and empowerment.
Our Values.
We value working directly with communities and local volunteers, becoming true partners with the areas we serve encouraging neighbors to support neighbors.
How We Started.
When the pandemic hit, we started with a simple idea- a volunteer placement program that would bring food and resources to homebound, vulnerable members of our community. Miami embraced this “Buddy System” and throughout the summer of 2020, we hosted our own large-scale weekly food drives in partnership with Crossbridge Brickell. Every Friday, hundreds of volunteers picked up a box of free groceries and delivered to their neighbors in need. We are indebted to the organizations, volunteers, and community members who started this journey with us and believed in our mission.
Our Team.
Buddy System is made up of a diverse conglomerate of community organizers, activists, and artists. Together, our small but mighty team brings together a varied set of backgrounds, identities, and ideas to truly reflect the vast landscape of Miami.
