We applaud John Foraker, CEO of family-owned Once Upon a Farm, who issued a challenge on LinkedIn:“Where Are the CEOs?”
“My view of this policy is that it is disgusting, immoral, cruel, and represents a tremendous stain on the fabric of our country,” Foraker wrote. “CEOs are leaders in their companies, communities, and in society. They get things done, and usually with great passion and commitment. They never hesitate to speak up on issues impacting their businesses, their employees, or their industries. So where are their voices on this issue?
“If monetary reward stifles your willingness to engage and be a vocal leader on big important and thorny social issues that impact the fabric of our society,” he continued, “I’d encourage you to re-think your priorities ... On social issues where two thirds or more of the population agrees with you, what do you have to lose? I don’t get it.”
Once Upon a Farm, Dr. Bronner’s and Nature’s Path announced their support and donations to RAICES (Refugee and Immigration Center for Education and Legal Services). This non-profit group, which is also collecting money through Facebook, provides legal services to immigrants and refugees.
Dr. Bronner’s, which was founded by Emanuel Bronner after losing his parents in the Holocaust, reminded people in a blog post from David and Michael Bronner:“We are ALL-One or None!”
“Our American workforce here in North County San Diego is predominantly of Mexican ancestry – many are proud immigrants, we are especially troubled by the treatment of immigrants at the U.S. border … Separating children from their parents and criminalizing refugees and asylum seekers is immoral and does not reflect our values nor the principles our business is based on. Dr. Bronner’s believes no human being is illegal.”
Ratana Stephens, the co-founder ofNature’s Path, fled India with her family as a child and posted a letter about the trauma of that experience on Twitter.
Meanwhile, back in Washington, D.C., benefits for the poorest among us through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are in political flux as their connection to work requirements pits Senate against House. Also at risk is the cherished addition of the multivitamin supplement, which ironically was fought by anti-hunger groups who don’t understand the nutritional benefits it provides.
Our publisher Heather Wainer, who recently returned from a week of service with Vitamin Angels in Honduras, once again witnessed the transformative effect on the health of mothers and their babies through the tireless efforts of that organization and its partner Feed the Children. She got to speak with some of the moms about the benefits of pre-natal vitamins , deworming and vitamin A.
“Children are amazing — so innocent, loving and full of life. To enjoy them and see how we can help the less fortunate have better healthier lives is so rewarding,” she said. Heather will share more about her visit on Wholefoodsmagazine.com
The millennial generation, which represents the future of the industry, is putting its money behind companies with a vocal and demonstrated purpose.
What are you doing to bring family and love back into focus? Do you think it is too late? How can we help? Please share your ideas witheditor@wfcinc.comand we will continue the dialogue.
Laurie Petersen
Editor-in-Chief
