This year, WANDA (Women Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture) marks a powerful milestone: 10 years of uplifting, supporting, and investing in Black women across the food system. This Juneteenth, Whole30 has once again partnered with WANDA to highlight WANDA Week, a celebration and call to action honoring the leadership of Black women and girls in the food system.
What is WANDA Week?
In June 2022, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser christened the week of Juneteenth, “WANDA Week” throughout the city. WANDA Week is a campaign designed to highlight the contributions of Black women in food, nutrition, agriculture, and wellness.
Throughout the week, WANDA will spotlight:
- The leadership of Black women and girls in the food system
- Community-driven events and conversations
- Opportunities to invest in education, mentorship, and long-term impact
This year’s WANDA Week runs from June 14-20, 2026. Here are just a few highlights of this year’s WANDA Week, and ways you can support WANDA’s mission, vision, and impact.
Honoring a Culinary Legacy: Edna Lewis
A central moment of this year’s WANDA Week is the celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Taste of Country Cooking by Edna Lewis.
The Taste of Country Cooking has been called, “The most beloved Southern cookbook of all time.” Edna Lewis, an iconic culinary matriarch, combined her love of food preparation and deep knowledge of African American history in this seminal work. Her legacy continues to teach chefs and home cooks the importance of traditional Southern cuisine, and how to preserve African American culinary heritage.
Celebrate culinary heritage: Order the 50th anniversary edition of The Taste of Country Cooking from Black Stone Bookstore and Cultural Center, or your local Black-owned bookstore.
Investing in the Future: The WANDA Scholars Fund
This year, WANDA is also launching the WANDA Scholars Fund, a new initiative supporting the next generation of Black women and girls in:
- Nutrition
- Farming
- Food justice
The fund will provide resources and opportunities for students across the U.S. and Africa, helping remove barriers and expand access to education and leadership in food and nutrition.
Support the Scholars Fund: The WANDA Academy & Scholars Showcase introduces the inaugural class of WANDA Scholars and celebrates their work and potential. Support the WANDA Scholars Fund and WANDA Academy by donating here. Your donation supports Black women and girls pursuing degrees in food science, nutrition, dietetics, and agriculture.
Community in Action: Sisterhood Suppers
WANDA Week culminates in the much-anticipated Sisterhood Supper. The Supper is an annual tradition that encourages communities to gather, share meals, and tell stories as a form of connection and fundraising.
WANDA’s hosted Sisterhood Supper takes place on June 20, 2026, at the Farm at Kelly Miller in Washington, D.C. This closing celebration honors the contributions of Black women in the food system while raising funds for the WANDA Scholars Fund. Guests will experience a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by Edna Lewis, alongside a community of changemakers committed to shaping a more equitable future in food.
Join the Sisterhood: Learn more about and RSVP for the Washington, D.C. Sisterhood Supper here. It’s free to attend! If you can’t attend in person, you can still support the Supper and WANDA Scholars through the RSVP link.
At Home: Supporting Black Women in Food
WANDA Week also shines a spotlight on Black women-owned food businesses, from restaurants and farms to emerging consumer brands. Whether you’re dining out, shopping locally, or discovering new products, supporting these businesses is a tangible way to participate in WANDA Week’s mission.
Call to action: Seek out Black-owned businesses in your local community; order from Black women-founded CPG brands; and support Black women who create recipes, farming, restaurant, and food content online.
Why This Matters
WANDA Week is both a joyous celebration of Black women and girls and a powerful movement to create lasting change. By centering Black women in food, WANDA is:
- Expanding access to education and opportunity
- Preserving and honoring cultural foodways
- Building a more inclusive and equitable food system
This year, we are extending an invitation to learn, to connect, and to contribute to WANDA’s mission and vision. In celebration of our longstanding partnership, Whole30 has once again renewed its support of WANDA’s Food Shero Freedom Fund. You can learn more and get involved by visiting the hub for this year’s WANDA Week celebration.
