Food Empowerment Project: Paving the Way to Sustainable Food Justice
Daily food choices can have a significant impact on the environment and the sustainability of the planet. By choosing sustainable food, individuals have the potential to contribute to the health of the environment. Yet, it’s not just about what’s on each dinner plate; it’s about the bigger picture and the choices made to reduce the environmental impact of our food. This is where the Food Empowerment Project (F.E.P.), a leading vegan food justice organization, has stepped in. It is on a mission to educate individuals and transform these choices into a global movement.
Founded in 2007 by lauren Ornelas, this vegan nonprofit has been at the forefront of advocating for fair conditions for farm workers, access to healthy foods in marginalized communities, and the protection of animals. The Food Empowerment Project is dedicated to creating a more just and sustainable world by recognizing the power of one’s food choices.
lauren Ornelas, a veteran of the animal rights movement for over 37 years, is the soul of the organization and the force behind this initiative. Before founding F.E.P., she was the executive director of Viva!USA, where she led campaigns against factory farms and influenced significant corporate changes. Her efforts have been instrumental in persuading Trader Joe’s to stop selling duck meat and in bringing about changes within Whole Foods Market, Pier 1 Imports, and other major corporations.
The Food Empowerment Project’s mission extends beyond advocating for veganism. It exposes corporations that exploit low-income areas by promoting unhealthy foods or perpetuating food deserts, also known as food apartheid areas. Moreover, F.E.P. shines a light on companies profiting from chocolate produced through child labor, furthering their cause of justice and equality.
Recently, F.E.P. launched a new initiative to transition from a hierarchical organizational structure to a collective leadership model. This shift aims to create a more inclusive and collaborative environment where every voice is valued and heard. Decisions are made democratically, fostering transparency and accountability. Employees assess their own and their coworkers' performance and participate in hiring, promotions, and certain termination decisions, thereby empowering team members to contribute meaningfully to the organization's mission.
This collective leadership model, championed by Ornelas, represents a strategic step forward in F.E.P.’s commitment to justice. This democratic approach not only enhances the organization’s internal dynamics but also sets a new standard for other nonprofits working to bring food justice.
The transition to a collective model highlights key lessons for other organizations: embedding justice, equality, and sustainability directly into operations can create a more inclusive environment and attract stakeholders who value ethics. Under this model, F.E.P. emphasizes collaboration and accountability as crucial elements in advancing its mission. The collective structure empowers team members to pursue special projects, nurturing innovation and adaptability within the organization.
Food Empowerment Project’s core principle is "Our Mission is our Boss, not each other." This reflects their unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and sustainability. By involving every team member in decision-making, they hope to build a foundation of trust that extends to the communities they advocate for. This inclusive approach allows F.E.P. to quickly and effectively respond to community needs, creating a meaningful impact.
Through greater collaboration and a restructured approach, F.E.P. is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and just food system. This journey towards food justice and sustainability is not just about today or for a community but about building a better future for all. The Food Empowerment Project stands as a beacon, proving that unity and collective leadership are key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting difference in the world.