Food Equity for Everyone

As the holiday season comes to a close and we begin to get ready for the new year, we at Takenaka Bento are reminded of our responsibility to not only the planet but the people on it. And now is as good a time as ever to re-commit ourselves to creating sustainable products and helping close the food equity gap that is so prevalent in our world.  

Food equity is the belief that everyone should have access to and the ability to grow and consume healthy, affordable foods. And although we live in a nation with excessive resources, a large portion of the population suffers from food insecurity spurred by lack of access or resources. At Takenaka Bento we believe that all people should be able to afford and enjoy healthful foods, no matter their location or socioeconomic status. Our 1% Pledge gives back 1% of all profits every month to organizations that help tackle food insecurity and makes food accessible to all people. 

Despite our efforts and efforts from organizations all over the world, almost 1 in 10 people in the US are facing food insecurity. By working together to help fight this fight, we can help food insecure people by taking some of the following actions:

1. Organize a Local Food Drive: Bring the community together with a food drive that not only creates awareness but can support food insecure people all with items that the community already owns. Donating pantry items or help alleviate other burdens with commonly needed items to allow for more resources to be devoted to better food! 
2. Volunteer: If organizing a food drive feels a bit daunting, lend your time to an existing one instead. Search for food banks in your area at Feeding America
3. Sponsor a Family: Is there a family you already know to be in need? Sponsor them with a weekly or monthly gift to help them keep food access high
4. Practice Sustainability: Reducing food waste is one of the easiest ways to create food change. Compost and recycling not only benefits the planet but re-invests in ways that help everyone.