The Crumpled Dollar Bill (and Other Stories to Restore Your Faith)
You're getting this issue a day early to test my suspicion that starting tomorrow – if it hasn't already happened – many of you will be escaping for the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
It’s the week where we launch into the holidays, which for many brings together the holy trinity of the F’s: frenzy, family and – for those who are fortunate – food.
So, I’m going to make this a foodie issue, with many of the stories from here in Idaho.
Now before you quit reading – you might be thinking, "What could possibly be of interest to me about Idaho and food when I’m in Los Angeles and I definitely know food?" – you might continue on as these are uplifting stories, and if positive stories can happen here in Idaho, well, they can happen anywhere.
And who among us can't use an inspiring story these days?
Choose What You Pay
Twenty minutes into my 1-1/2 hour volunteer shift with the Mobile Market and we were nearly out of food. It was surprising to see the demand, wonderful to see so many smiles, and more than a little sad that our services were so in need.
The Mobile Market in Boise is operated by City of Good, a nonprofit of which I’m a co-founder. The Mobile Market program distributes farm-fresh produce and local meats in food deserts and areas that are socioeconomically mixed.
This year we pioneered a “Choose what you pay” program, the first of its kind for a mobile market in this country. You can pay zippo. A portion. Market price. Or if you’re fortunate, above market price. Whatever you choose.
The intent is to take any social stigma of not being able to pay off the menu.
I’ll forever remember one woman when she was checking out started clutching at her pockets. First her shirt pockets, then her pants pockets, saying “I had money and now I can’t find it.” She seemed a little desperate. She was told that it didn’t matter – she could just take the fresh produce and meats (from local farmers and ranchers, no problem.
She thanked us profusely and then left.
About 10 minutes later she returned with one very crumpled up dollar bill to give us.
😢
This reminds me of why it’s so important if you’re a nonprofit board member to get out in the field and see the results (and challenges) of the social mission, firsthand. It’s powerful.
BTW if you’d like to make an end-of-the-year contribution to City of Good – we're trying to raise $100K by Thanksgiving to ensure we can continue providing food over the holidays – you can do that here.
Stepping Up with 1 Million Meals
My mom used to say that oatmeal would stick to your ribs – her justification, I think, for giving us kids oatmeal for breakfast so often.
If that’s the case, meet the king of rib sticking, Mark Priddy.
Mark and his team at Happy Day Brands keep rising to meet the challenge of using business for good. In a time where Snap benefits have been reduced and food insecurity is rising, Happy Day partnered this month with Sysco to support families in need by donating one million servings of its hot and cold cereal to Feeding America food banks across the western U.S.
One million meals from a small company in Idaho. (They’re members in my Inspiration Alley coworking space, too.)
This is business as it should be: a true community partner.
ESOP’s Fables
Can a company Greek, err, geek out on its ESOP?
It can if it’s Chobani, maker of Greek yogurt and other food products.
Nine years ago, Chobani blazed a trail by putting 10% of its stock into an ESOP for its employees. This was unbidden, out of the blue, if you will, occasioned simply because founder and owner Hamdi Ulukaya believed in the power of ownership and wanted to share that power.
At the time, the company’s valuation was estimated to be $3 billion, which meant roundabouts $30 million went into the ESOP.
Chobani just raised $650 million in fresh capital – $500 million of it to expand what is already the country’s largest natural food production facility in Twin Falls, Idaho – at a valuation of $20 billion. So, if the ESOP still holds 10% of Chobani's stock, that gives employees a slice of the pie worth...$2 billion.
More power to you, Hamdi! I know you have positively changed a lot of lives here in Idaho – and around the world. Keep going!
Godspeed, friends.
Russ
💬 Food for Thought
“We would need to fix our economy so that Wall Street favors corporations who have social values and public health values as part of their corporate mission.” Marion Nestle, molecular biologist, nutritionist, and public health advocate.
(This popped out of 89-year-old Marion's mouth toward the end of an interview on Fresh Air when she was asked about what needs to change in our food system. She has a new book, “What to Eat Now.”)
💥 Quick Hits
- Just for fun – Go ahead and take a taste in this interesting article that boldly "steaks" out the best food for every state with curious contextual information for each choice.
- Give the gift of B – Let's sled our way into a list of gifts from B Corps that makes shopping easier and bbbbbetter.
- New supporter alert – Thanks to Paul Miles for becoming a paid subscriber. Couldn't do this each week without you and our small band of financial supporters. 🙏
🎧 A Song For You
While you'll likely get some of the pumpkin and other varieties this week, here's a live version of a different flavor of pie: American. Can music save your mortal soul? Absolutely. Happy Thanksgiving.
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