Farmlink, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing food waste and food insecurity, recently collaborated with luxury grocery store Erewhon in Los Angeles. During the first week of April, shoppers at Erewhon had the option to round up their purchases to the next dollar, with all proceeds going towards Farmlink. While the collaboration was not seen as a major fundraising effort by Farmlink founder James Collier, he viewed it as an opportunity to reach out to influential members of the community and raise awareness about their cause. Collier believes that partnerships with high-profile stores like Erewhon will help combat the social stigma associated with food insecurity and normalize the important work being done by organizations like Farmlink.
One of the key issues Collier is trying to address is the stigma surrounding food insecurity. He points out that many people who are food insecure, even if they know where their local food bank is, will not seek help due to the negative stigma associated with it. By partnering with Erewhon, known for its high price tags and celebrity endorsements, Collier hopes to shift attitudes and make progress in normalizing discussions about food insecurity. He believes that leveraging the platform of influential stores like Erewhon will help raise awareness and create social shifts in perspective.
In addition to Erewhon, Farmlink has garnered support from other major players such as Metallica, Tony Robbins, and Chipotle. Collier attributes the attention they have received to their feel-good origin story – a group of college students who sprang into action when the pandemic hit. He recalls the moment when they came across an article in the New York Times about an onion farmer with 2 million pounds of excess onions. With just $900, they were able to pay a truck driver to transport 40,000 pounds of onions to a local food bank. This act of kindness set the foundation for Farmlink’s mission to reduce food waste and combat food insecurity.
The collaboration with Erewhon is just one example of how Farmlink is leveraging partnerships with high-profile companies to amplify their impact. By working with influential stores and celebrities, Farmlink is able to reach a broader audience and generate more support for their cause. Collier believes that building these partnerships is crucial in addressing the complex issues surrounding food insecurity and food waste. He is optimistic that by working together, they can create meaningful change and make a positive impact on communities in need.
Farmlink’s collaboration with Erewhon and other notable partners has helped raise awareness about the importance of reducing food waste and combating food insecurity. By utilizing their platform and influence, Farmlink is able to reach a wider audience and inspire others to take action. Collier emphasizes the importance of normalizing discussions about food insecurity and breaking down the social stigma associated with seeking help from food banks. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, Farmlink is making progress in their mission to create a more sustainable food system and ensure that no one goes hungry.
Overall, Farmlink’s collaboration with Erewhon and other major players demonstrates the power of working together to address complex social issues. By leveraging the resources and influence of high-profile partners, Farmlink is able to make a greater impact and create positive change in communities. Collier’s vision of building partnerships and normalizing discussions about food insecurity is key to their success in reducing food waste and ensuring access to healthy food for all. As they continue to expand their reach and engage with new partners, Farmlink is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the fight against hunger and food insecurity.
