Uncle Ben strikes again; Food Banks Canada collaborates with everyone’s favourite uncle

BY PAUL JUNOR

Many people in Canada are familiar with Ben’s Original rice varieties. This unique and distinctive brand has been a part of the Canadian culinary landscape for over 70 years.

It was revealed that Ben’s Original brand launched two initiatives to help BIPOC students pursue careers in the food industry.

The first initiative is the “Be an After-School Hero” program. This initiative will be conducted in partnership with Food Banks Canada and is intended to address the serious societal problem of food insecurity. The press release notes, “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.”

In order to facilitate this initiative, the brand will ensure that for each Ben’s Original rice product that is bought, $1 will be donated to Food Banks Canada in order to help Canadians who are currently experiencing food insecurity. This translates to up to $100,000, which will be able to provide 200,000 meals for needy families.

Eric Huston, General Manager of Mars Food stated, “We’re very happy to work with Food Banks Canada to support families in need. Through this partnership, we’re bringing to life our commitment to work toward a more equitable future and to create opportunities that offer everyone a seat at the table.”

Statistics provided by Food Bank Canada indicate that approximately 23% of Canadians, almost one in five, face food insecurity and are not getting enough basic nutrition. Kirstin Beardsley, Chief Executive Officer of Food Banks Canada notes, ”Food banks in most regions of Canada are experiencing an influx of visitors, many who are coming for the first time, a number that’s increased by up to 25% in some regions. The Be an After-School Hero initiative with Ben’s Original brand comes at a key time as families from coast to coast struggle to cope with rising inflation.”

Ben’s Original rice can be purchased across Canada in stores as well as online. With respect to the Seat At the Table Fund, it aims to create equitable opportunities for students who identify as Black, Indigenous or Persons of Colour pursuing careers in the industry. This scholarship program is geared toward BIPOC students from under-represented and equity-deserving communities who are interested in pursuing jobs in the food industry. This fund originated from a $200,000 commitment that was announced in 2021 and will grant needs-based awards to these students to rise above financial hurdles and ensure that they have access to employment in the food industry.

Information in the press release regarding The Seat at the Table Fund Awards includes:

• It is 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 Institute 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 years, beginning with the Fall 2022 semester.

Anyone interested in learning about Ben’s Original can check out https://ca.bensoriginal.com/en-ca