Food Empowerment Project Newsletter

1. Senator Kamala Harris’ Office Reads Our Reports—Do You?
2. Access Issues: Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy
3. Invisible Hands: Child Labor Documentary
4. Vegan Advocacy: Vegan Tamale Class
5. Upcoming Events: Indy VegFest

1. Senator Kamala Harris’ Office Reads Our Reports—Do You?

Food Empowerment Project (F.E.P.) sends all our reports on access issues to federal and local legislators. We were delighted when, for the first time, we heard back from a federal legislator about these reports! In January, we had a productive discussion with Senator Kamala Harris’ office regarding the restrictive deeds grocery stores put on former properties as well as the many other areas of our food-justice work. We are thrilled that our expertise on food access issues is sought out by legislators! We look forward to a continued relationship and exchange of information with her office.

Haven’t seen our reports? Take a look and send them along to anyone you think might be interested!

2. Access Issues: Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy
 

“We really do not want food to become any cheaper because people already are not being paid what they should be for the work they are doing. This is why we say to everybody who wants to help change the system that we have to fight for living wages.” ” – lauren Ornelas

F.E.P.’s founder and executive director, lauren Ornelas, was honored to be an invited speaker at the inaugural Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy World Food Policy Center’s Food, Faith, Sovereignty, and Economic Development conference.

Watch lauren’s talk to learn more about why food justice advocates must fight for living wages, how worker-owned cooperatives can help solve food access issues, and why we ask people to eat their ethics

3. Invisible Hands: Child Labor Documentary

We’ve long said that veganism does not equate to cruelty-free. Chocolate is a prime example of why this is the case. Since we first started, F.E.P. has been raising awareness about child labor and slavery in the chocolate industry. It is crushing to see the continuation of these gross violations of human rights. This is why, through our advocacy and chocolate app, we seek to empower consumers to eat their ethics by purchasing chocolate that is not sourced through child labor.

Invisible Hands, a new documentary about child labor, highlights the realities of the chocolate industry. The film is a devastating look into child labor practices, including undercover work.

4. Vegan Advocacy: Vegan Tamale Class

In January, F.E.P.’s Washington Chapter co-hosted the second vegan tamale class at El Centro de la Raza in Seattle. With our partnership, the El Centra class transitioned from a vegetarian to a vegan offering. Nineteen attendees learned how to make vegan tamales and listened to a brief discussion of F.E.P.’s work and mission. 
 
We appreciated the opportunity to partner with another organization committed to social justice and community service!

5. Upcoming Event: Indy VegFest

Indy VegFest
Saturday, March 30^th
Indianapolis, IN

This is a great opportunity to hear lauren speak, as she’ll be giving two talks while our program and marketing manager, Erika Galera, will be tabling with chocolates and tote bags. Be sure to come by and say hello!