🌈 This Pride Month we’re checking out businesses and organizations supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, including Prioritized Pastries in Maplewood!
Chef/Owner Alex McDonnell is making “Pastries For All” in her bakery on Sutton Boulevard. The shop serves vegan and gluten free goodies, including some favorites like rainbow layer cake, cookies, and cream pies.
Yesterday, I had a rather frustrating experience at a restaurant with my cousin. You see, she recently had a gallbladder operation, which means she can't handle large meals and needs to eat smaller portions throughout the day. So, we were looking at the menu, and Natalie really wanted a child's carvery. But when I went to order it, the lady at the counter gave me a disapproving look and rudely pointed out that it wasn't meant for adults.
I understand that restaurants have their policies and processes, with adult meals for adults and children's meals for kids. But here's the thing: I'm really passionate about reducing food waste. In fact, I'm the director of Food Angels, an organisation that focuses on redistributing m food waste. And in this situation, if Natalie had to order an adult meal, most of it would have ended up in landfill. It's not that she doesn't want to eat it; she physically can't consume a large portion.
This experience made me realise that these companies need to think outside the box. They should exercise more discretion and be careful not to come across as discriminatory. Instead of questioning people who come in with specific needs or disabilities, they should use their judgment and be more accommodating. Offering options from the children's menu, for example, can help prevent food from going to waste.
So, I want to make a plea to all the restaurants and chains out there. When someone mentions that they've had an operation or have a disability, please don't discriminate. Just use your judgment and don't question them unnecessarily. Remember, allowing someone to order a kids' meal can actually prevent food from ending up in landfill. Let's think outside the box and make the dining experience more inclusive for everyone.
#largeplate#smallplate
Gemma H ♥️
Happy Friday! Today we're sharing another community ownership example that is transforming food access and possibly more in Detroit:
A spring article in the Detroit Metro Times by journalist Steve Neavling covered a story about a new Black-owned and operated grocery store, the Detroit People’s Food Co-Op, spearheaded by the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network. The store features fruit and vegetables from four Black-owned farms, and many of the products are made by local food entrepreneurs in Michigan.
But - while access to healthy, local food for BIPOC residents and reliable distributors for local Black farmers is a game changer for a city where nearly 70% of its residents are considered food insecure, this co-op's 2,740+ members are empowered to vote in board elections, share future profits, and be elected to committees with larger goals like fighting for affordable housing or disability rights.
This is why community ownership matters.
➡ Read the full article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/etQcE9xb
Gen Z has been deemed the foodie generation, but research found what it calls “a darker side to their relationship with food.” 61% of Gen Z consumers believe they need to eat a certain way to communicate their identity and beliefs, which has created negativity and anxiety among this generation. These “unrealistic pressures” have created a “say-eat gap” between Gen Z’s beliefs and behaviors. An overwhelming majority say sustainability, animal welfare and LGBTQ rights are important factors when buying food, but they are not significant purchase drivers. Priorities like taste, value and affordability trump societal issues. As Gen Z consumers become responsible for a larger portion of food spending dollars, more CPG companies have introduced products that cater to this demographics’ needs and desires. #genz#cpg#food#consumerinsights#taste#affordability
🌟 Let's Shine a Light on Corporate Kindness 🌟
I had the privilege of witnessing something truly heartwarming yesterday.
During my trip to Edmonton this week, I stopped by the Brewery District Shoppers Drug Mart. While waiting in line, I saw two homeless men approach another cashier. Unsure of what would happen next, I watched as the cashier greeted them with genuine smiles, offering each of them bottles of water and asking if they'd like "their snacks." To my surprise, she had a basket full of goodies tucked away under her till, a practice initiated by their manager to support those in need in the downtown core. As I left the store, I saw the men unpacking their "snack bags" with gratitude, which included a bagel and a bottle of Boost.
Later that evening, I visited Cobbs Bakery for a fresh loaf of bread but arrived just after closing time. However, I witnessed something equally inspiring – the staff loading unsold baked goods into a van. When I inquired, they explained that they donate all unsold products to local food insecurity organizations every single night.
In a world often filled with negative news, it's essential to highlight acts of kindness. If you've witnessed or experienced similar instances of corporate caring, I encourage you to share them below and tag the unsung heroes making a positive impact in our communities and beyond.
Let's spread the positivity together! 🌍💙
#KindnessMatters#CorporateKindness#SpreadKindness#ActsOfKindness#CommunityImpact#PayItForward#PositivityInAction#MakingADifference#GoodDeeds#PositiveImpact#SocialGood#BeTheChange#KindnessInspires#GivingBack#HelpingHands
JULY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The need for our daily Noon Meal has been rising and we are feeding more and more people each day. We rely on volunteers to help us serve our patrons- can you help out on one of the dates listed below?
Each day, we need:
2-3 people to help prepare food from 9a-11a (includes chopping, making sandwiches, repackaging snacks, putting together sack lunches, opening cans, etc.)
5-7 people to help serve food on a cafeteria style line from 11a-1p
Dates with asterisks by them are the biggest needs.
If you can help on the dates listed below, please message the page or email outreach@goodsaminn.org
*Volunteers must be 10 or older to help with preparation shifts and 13 or older to help with serving. See less
One of the main reasons we created Candycopia was to use it as a catalyst to support the communities and issues that are important to us, and we believe need swifter action. Because of this, we decided not to make any of the candy but rather partner with other small business owners – especially women and diverse-owned candy makers – to uplift them by helping the world discover their sweet creations.
This Women's History Month let's not only celebrate but also help address the disparities within the candy industry. While 58% of candy makers in the US are women, they earned only 91% of what their male counterparts did in 2022. Moreover, women contribute to 40% of cocoa farming yet own just 2% of the land.
At Candycopia, as a women-owned business, we believe in the power of diversity and the incredible impact of women in the business world. That's why we're proud to feature our Women-Owned Candycopia Collection, a curated selection of delicious treats crafted by talented women candy makers that will not only delight the palate but also support the incredible women overcoming these challenges. Let's stand together for equality in every bite.
Join us in supporting and uplifting women-owned businesses together, making our world a sweeter place, one candy at a time. 🌈 🍫
Discover more and shop the collection: https://lnkd.in/gYjd4A6q#WomensHistoryMonth#EqualityInEveryBite#SupportWomenOwned#Candycopia#WomenEntrepreneurs
Cardboard Citizens and Big Issue proud to present a new series of short films, 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 that aims to disrupt stereotypes, generalisations, and misconceptions around homelessness in the UK today, as rising numbers of people are unseen, unheard and overlooked.
Introducing - 𝑆𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑤𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 – a story about street sleeping by writer, anthropologist and disability rights activist, Naomi W. performed by Cardboard Citizens Member, actor and writer Oriana White.
"I have enough sandwiches. Whatever I need from you, whatever I want from you, it's not sandwiches. I reject your half-hearted, minimum-effort attempts to make me part of your world through sympathy, and your 'but please use the back door,' and your sandwiches."
𝑆𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑤𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 offers a raw and honest portrayal of life on the streets, highlighting the increasing rough sleeping crisis. In Autumn 2023, an estimated 𝟑,𝟖𝟗𝟖 people were found homeless on a single night—a rise of over 𝟐𝟓% from 2022.
Alicia Walker, Centrepoint’s Head of Policy, Research and Campaigns notes that while recent government funding is a start, it’s far from enough to address the growing crisis. She calls for comprehensive, cross-government action to support both the homeless and those at risk.
Additionally, the intersection of rough sleeping and gender is critical. Recent findings reveal that 43% more women are homeless than official data suggests, as many avoid public spaces due to the risk of sexual violence.
Whilst street sleeping is the most visible type of homelessness, it’s not the only type. More than One Story highlights the multiple realities of hidden homelessness in the UK.
To learn more about 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑂𝑛𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦, visit our campaign page (https://lnkd.in/ega_aEAk) and grab a copy of Big Issue today.
#MoreThanOnesStory#CardboardCitizens#BigIssue
Please click "...see more" and read the rest of this short but important post about the latest federal budget and its impacts on the lives of persons with disabilities.
Executive Director, Centre for Independent Living in Toronto
Post-Budget PSA! Did you know:
-that 50% of Canadians who are food insecure have a disability? See: https://lnkd.in/ge7e9xQJ
-that disabled people are disproportionately represented among people who are evicted from housing? See: https://lnkd.in/gYyVpHQS
-that there is in fact no law requiring “all buildings to be accessible” and that many disabled people can’t even visit their friends or loved ones at their homes because of a basic lack of accessible spaces? See: https://lnkd.in/gtDy4qfV
-that our Medical Assistance in Dying regime in Canada says that if you have a disability there is no need for you to be terminally ill to proceed with MAID?
With yesterday’s announcement of a Canada Disability Benefit that offers disabled people who cannot work a mere $200/month and only if they qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, the Federal government has made crystal clear the lack of value they place on disabled people’s lives.
Even *if* you are receiving ODSP this would only take you to $1500/month. And with no guarantee that it won’t be clawed back anyway, you are still sitting firmly below the poverty line. See: https://lnkd.in/gYK4srcz
Many disabled people don’t qualify for the Disability Tax Credit too because they live with disabilities that are episodic and don’t meet the ‘severe’ AND ‘prolonged’ criteria.
There was so much hope in disabled people that the CDB would truly offer a way out of legislated poverty. It is not the case. Please take care of yourselves today.
And as for everyone else, don’t you think it’s beyond time to stop treating disabled people like this?
Content Manager at Advantage Capital
1moAlex is the best! Craving cake now...