WANDA Week: Celebrating Ten Years of Empowerment and Joy in Food Advocacy

WANDA Week: A Decade of Food Sheroes

From June 14 to 20, 2026, Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics, and Agriculture (WANDA) will celebrate its tenth anniversary with WANDA Week, an event honoring influential figures in the food sector while promoting its Food Shero Freedom Fund to support the WANDA Scholars Program.

Proclaimed by the Mayor of Washington, D.C., in 2022, WANDA Week recognizes the significant contributions of Black women and girls to the food system and their role in fostering healthier communities. The week is packed with educational initiatives, advocacy efforts, and festive gatherings, including the much-anticipated Grocery Retail for All Summit.

The Highlight: Sisterhood Supper on Juneteenth

The culmination of WANDA Week will be marked by the 6th Annual Sisterhood Supper on June 20 at the Farm at Kelly Miller in Washington, D.C. This year, the supper's theme, "Rooted in Joy and Justice," beautifully aligns with the 50th anniversary of culinary legend Edna Lewis's influential book, The Taste of Country Cooking. Participants can look forward to an menu inspired by Edna Lewis, courtesy of WellBody Kitchen.

"As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, WANDA Week serves as both a celebration and a correction of our national story," explained Tambra Raye Stevenson, WANDA's Founder and CEO. "For centuries, Black women have nourished this nation; yet their contributions have too often gone unrecognized. WANDA Week highlights this legacy while investing in the next generation. From Edna Lewis's wisdom to the leaders of today, we are honoring our past, celebrating our present, and supporting a brighter future."

The event is generously sponsored by the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation and Whole30, and will be hosted by journalist and community advocate Ashleigh Demi.

"Black women have historically been at the forefront of our communities, nourishing families, safeguarding traditions, and instigating movements for change," commented Ashleigh Demi. "WANDA's Sisterhood Supper serves as a powerful reminder that when we gather around the table, we also come together in our shared history, collective strength, and future vision. It’s an honor to celebrate these women who are deeply rooted in joy, dedicated to justice, and committed to building healthier communities."

Melissa Urban, CEO and Co-Founder of Whole30, added, "WANDA is instigating the type of community-focused transformation we urgently need. By intertwining food, culture, leadership, and a sense of belonging, they are empowering women and girls to champion their health and wellbeing while strengthening their communities. Their initiatives demonstrate how food can serve as a catalytic force in driving positive change."

In conclusion, WANDA Week not only celebrates a decade of achievements but also reinvigorates our commitment to recognizing the integral role that Black women have played—and continue to play—in cultivating healthier communities across the nation. As we celebrate, we also look ahead, inspiring the next generation of food leaders and advocates.