5 Plant-Based Companies Working to Make Things a Little Better
While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed during these uncertain times, it’s important to take a moment and appreciate all the goodness and kindness in the world. As Mercy For Animals president Leah Garcés said, “Our mission has always inspired us to find light in the midst of darkness, to see a path forward, even when the world seems so very bleak.”
Here are just a few incredible plant-based companies who embody this sentiment and shine a light into the world:
Miyoko’s Creamery
Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, vegan cheese brand Miyoko’s Creamery planned to send their grilled cheese food truck on a tour of the United States. Instead, the food truck is now handing out between 1,500 and 2,000 vegan grilled cheese sandwiches each week to hospital workers and those in need. The company’s founder and CEO, Miyoko Schinner, told VegNews:
Repurposing our food truck is the least we can do for our heroes on the front line and people who are now struggling in our communities. While bringing cheese crafted from plants to consumers is about creating a more compassionate food system, compassion also extends to how we treat each other day in and day out.
Beyond Meat
Plant-based company Beyond Meat has pledged to distribute over a million Beyond burgers at no cost! The company has already donated to food banks across the country and is currently working to deliver Beyond Meat prepared meals to hospitals, community centers, and more. Their website says:
Our goal has always been to use food as a vehicle for change and we’re fortunate to be in a position to put that into action now like never before. Our hope is that this donation will help make lives easier and contribute to the strong sense of community that is so vitally important during these unprecedented times.
Slutty Vegan
Vegan burger joint Slutty Vegan has joined forces with The Pinky Cole Foundation to donate plant-based burgers to senior care facilities. Both Slutty Vegan and The Pinky Cole Foundation were founded by Aisha “Pinky” Cole, who posted on the foundation’s Instagram:
Residents of Senior Living facilities are identified as high risk. We are proud to help in any way that we can. Please send your support to the staff working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our community elders during #COVID19.
The Pizza Plant
Upon realizing the Union Station Homeless Services in Pasadena, California, needed food after the city’s shutdown, plant-based pizzeria The Pizza Plant donated 48 frozen vegan pizzas. The pizzas fed nearly 100 children, many of whom would normally rely on lunches from school. The Pizza Plant founder Marvin V Acuna told VegNews:
As I grow older and ponder the meaning of life, I find myself returning to the same answer. It’s family, friends, and community. And as we considered how best to support the children of the Pasadena community during this historic and unprecedented time, Union Station Homeless Services emerged as the clear and absolute choice.
Beyond Sushi
The owners of plant-based New York restaurant chain Beyond Sushi, Guy and Tali Vaknin, are supporting healthcare workers by running a GoFundMe campaign. Guy and Tali have already donated a plant-based care package to Metropolitan Hospital and plan to send more vegan meals to local hospitals per every $200 raised.
With so many vegan businesses helping communities, it’s important that we do our part as well. If you are able, support small vegan businesses by ordering contactless delivery, buying gift cards, or leaving positive reviews on social media. Check out HappyCow to find a business near you!
