FEED is not a common accessories brand. With a beautiful store inside Empire Stores in Dumbo, their charitable mission certainly impresses and have provided over 110 million meals to date!
The mission at FEED is simple: “We create good products that help feed children around the world.”
With the start of every new day, we see people questioning everything that’s going on, from climate change and natural disasters, to the undeniable help that underprivileged communities need.
“It’s hard to believe that hunger is a daily reality for 795 million people around the world—limiting human flourishing, health and potential in far too many communities. The most vulnerable are often children, whose mental and physical growth, and ultimately potential to create a better future, is dependent on this most basic human need.”
It seems that world we once knew is now becoming a difficult place to live, but what gives us hope are the thousands of people spread across the planet spreading the good!
New York is one of the busiest cities in the world, but even so, we have special people working to improve the lives of others
FEED is a project idealized and led by Lauren Bush, niece of ex-President George W. Bush and Ellen Gustafson, who started her career working with Communication at the United Nations (UN).
Lauren was a model for Tommy Hilfiger for two years in her yearly years in college, but shortly after that she became a spokesperson for the UN World Food Program (WFP). This was the trigger for changing her career and her view on the world
After her first trip, where she faced the harsh reality of children on the verge of death in Guatemala, Lauren decided to do more than just be a “spokesperson”.
It was there that she joined Ellen, who was also looking to do something bigger.
Lauren’s passion for fashion and design and Ellen’s desire to do something different had finally merged. The project is simple: a reusable bag, only with the project’s logo, where all income collected is directed directly to the UN World Food Program.
In a short time, the logistics and procedures for the United Nations to sell this bag became so complex and bureaucratic that Lauren and Ellen decided to leave the WFP.
Voilá! FEED Projects was founded!
FEED Projects currently works with numerous organizations such as WFP, of course, and others like UNICEF. Sales are mostly made online, where you will see how your purchase will help these children.
You can literally buy a $60 scholarship and feed a child for an entire year! How incredible is that, right!?
In addition, FEED Shop & Café is their first physical location in New York, located inside the majestic Empire Stores in DUMBO, Brooklyn.
“The shop features an assortment of our newest products, special in-store exclusives and a rotating curation of other socially conscious finds. Our cafe serves the FEED Heritage coffee blend, roasted in partnership with La Colombe, and a delicious selection of pastries and nibbles.”
Most of the bags are made in China, but the most expensive leather items are produced by hand in Kenya and Guatemala.
The models are as diverse as backpacks, classic totes and some duffle bags. And yet, the girls made a line called “Feed NYC” in 2010, with more elaborate bags made by the local clothing industry (of course, to incentivize the local economy) and were sold at Bergdorf Goodman. Oh! Shop the new FEED arrivals!
The project has grown so much that now several brands have become FEED partners. Companies like: Target, Disney, Pottery Barn, Clarins, Whole Foods Market, Gap, Tory Burch, Rachel Roy, DKNY, Links of London, Godiva, TOMS and Nordstrom are part of it.
And also, you can do more!
You can host your own Feed Supper! Here is how it works:
Let’s come together to help our neighbors!
Today, in neighborhoods across the United States, there are over 40 million people who aren’t sure where they will find their next meal. By hosting a FEED Supper, you will join a community helping to change that.
Host a dinner party that provides meals for more than just your friends
Your FEED Supper can be as simple as a pizza party or as formal as a seated dinner. Just ask your guests to make a donation to help fight hunger in advance of the gathering. It’s that simple.
The money you raise will help provide much-needed meals to families across America, through our giving partner, Feeding America. Learn more about their work to end hunger.
Let’s collaborate as well?
Finally, if you live in New York and you’d like to actively volunteer in a feeding program, our Founder Fernanda coordinates one called Friend’s in Need that happens every Saturday morning, at Tompkins Square Park in the East Village.
We would love to have you there helping us!
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 8am – 7pm
Sunday: 8am – 6pm
Location: 55 Water Street
Photo Credits: ©Behind the Scenes NYC
