The United States is in crisis on many fronts – global, economic and social. Domestic priorities have seen an acceleration of class division, racial tension and the growing realization of income inequality – manifested in the stark dichotomy of the haves vs. the have nots. It is this scenario that begs for a socially conscious country to mobilize and address the issues of poverty and economic suffering in disadvantaged communities -poverty that keeps huge numbers of Americans in the cage of hopelessness and despair. Somehow, something must be done within the context of democracy, capitalism and, most importantly, within the generosity of spirit that defines the American gestalt.
Bill Gates, as early as 2008, spoke to the World Economic Forum on the urgent need for creative capitalism. He said in part: “I’d like to ask everyone here – whether you’re in business, government, or the non-profit world – when you make charitable gifts can you also find ways to put the power of market forces behind the effort to help the poor?” Prescient as always, Gates was sounding the call for not only the public sector but the private sector as well to mobilize and construct a new paradigm around social consciousness and responsibility. We have seen leadership by firms such as Starbucks and Tom’s in this area and, thankfully, more and more entrepreneurs and for profit businesses are earmarking social causes as a corresponding financial goal and mission.
Foodlyn is such a firm. Founder and CEO Nancy Brown has successfully created an online farmers market designed to connect people with fine food and gifts made by artisans and food makers across the country. Besides the quality of their offerings, Foodlyn stands out in the market - based on their commitment to donating 25% of their profits to community-based non-profit groups dedicated to eradicating hunger in the US. It is this commitment to society that makes Foodlyn an example of what creative capitalism is all about. As Howard Schultz of Starbucks has said “Companies should not have a singular view of profitability. There needs to be a balance between commerce and social responsibility. The companies that are authentic about it will wind up as the companies that make the most money.” Foodlyn demonstrates that commitment and paradigm daily and by sampling their food and gift offerings you are truly making a purchase with a purpose.
The Foodlyn offerings can be accessed at www.foodlyn.com or they can be reached at shop@foodlyn.com.