Ben’s Original brand announced two initiatives to support communities across Canada taking further action to create opportunities that offer everyone a seat at the table.
The “Be an After-School Hero” program will deliver up to 200,000 meals to Canadian families in need, and the brand’s Seat at the Table™ Fund, which aims to create equitable opportunities for students who identify as Black, Indigenous or Persons of Colour pursuing careers in the food industry, is officially open for applications.
“Be An After-School Hero” Program
For more than 70 years, Ben’s Original™ rice varieties have been the easy, tasty cornerstone for meals around the dinner table, but for many families across the country, dinner is not guaranteed.
The brand is addressing this need through community outreach programs around the world to ensure underserved communities have access to the nutritious meals we all deserve.
From August 15 to October 10, for every purchase of Ben’s Original™ rice products, the brand will donate $1 to Food Banks Canada to support Canadians facing food insecurity, up to $100,000 which can provide 200,000 meals.
Food Banks Canada’s data shows that one in five Canadians now report going hungry – with 23% reporting they are eating less “than they should.”
Food Banks Canada, the nation’s leading charitable organization is focused on ways to relieve hunger today while also preventing hunger tomorrow, through various programs, policies, and advocacy initiatives to tackle the issue of hunger.
Consumers can purchase Ben’s Original™ rice in stores nationwide and online.
Available in a variety of flavors and formats, including ready-to-heat Bistro Express™, the portfolio provides a convenient and tasty meal options ready in just 90 seconds.
Seat At the Table™ Fund Opens for Applications
Ben’s Original™ is now accepting candidate applications for the Canadian Seat at the Table™ Fund, a scholarship program that creates opportunities for students from under-represented and equity-deserving communities who aspire to build careers in the food industry.
Established through a $200,000 commitment by the brand announced in fall 2021, the needs-based awards are designed to help BIPOC students overcome financial barriers and positively affect pathways to employment within the food industry.
The Seat at the Table™ Fund awards will be available to students enrolled or accepted into culinary arts, baking, pastry or catering programs at Vancouver Community College (BC), Humber College (ON), Centennial College (ON) and Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (QC).
Qualified candidates must identify as BIPOC and demonstrate financial need to complete their education.
Each institution will administer and award five $5,000 awards annually over the next two academic years, beginning with the Fall 2022 semester.
Interested students can contact their Financial Aid department for application dates and process.
For more information about Ben’s Original™, visit: https://ca.bensoriginal.com/en-ca.