– Organization and mission:
– Composed of activists from various animal rights, environmental, and social justice organizations
– Focus on encouraging healthy food choices reflecting a compassionate society
– Spotlight abuse of animals on farms, depletion of natural resources, unfair working conditions for produce workers, and lack of access to healthy foods in low-income areas
– Began researching companies making vegan products with cocoa beans sourced from countries with child labor and slavery
– Updated list of companies available on F.E.P. website
– Reports:
– Supported California Senate Bill 1443 for food donation options
– Surveyed food-selling businesses in Santa Clara County
– Report found disparities in supermarket availability between high and low-income areas
– Lower-income areas have more liquor stores and meat-selling markets
– Lack of healthy food options in certain store types
– Campaigns:
– First campaign targeted Clif Bar for undisclosed chocolate sources
– Concerned about child labor and slavery in cocoa farms of Ghana and Ivory Coast
– Declared victory with Clif Bar disclosing cocoa sources
– Holds annual school supply drive for farm workers’ children
– Aims to raise awareness and bring change through corporate campaigns
– Accolades:
– Received 2012 Top-Rated Award from GreatNonprofits
– Recognized for impactful work in empowering food choices
– Acknowledged for efforts in promoting food justice and ethical sourcing
– Awarded for advocacy and campaigns promoting transparency in food industry
– Appreciated for dedication to social justice and environmental sustainability
– See also:
– Related topics: Human rights and Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition
– Provides additional resources and information on similar causes
– Offers avenues for further research and exploration
– Encourages a holistic approach to social and environmental issues
– Suggests connections between different advocacy movements
Food Empowerment Project (F.E.P.) is a volunteer-based non-profit organization focused on veganism and food justice. Its mission statement is "to create a more just and sustainable world by recognizing the power of one's food choices." The organization was founded in 2006 by Lauren Ornelas, who continues to lead it. Based in San Jose, California, the F.E.P. opened an additional chapter in Seattle, Washington, in 2016.
 Food Empowerment Project logo | |
| Abbreviation | F.E.P. |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2006 |
| Legal status | Non-profit |
| Purpose | Food justice, veganism, animal rights |
| Headquarters | San Jose, California |
| Website | foodispower |