The food people eat has the power to not only transform one’s health but also the environment. Choosing certain foods can not only reduce food waste but also lower the ecological footprint. This is precisely the mission of the Food Empowerment Project (F.E.P.), an organization working to create a more just and sustainable world by helping others recognize the power of their food choices.
Food Empowerment Project (F.E.P.), founded in 2007 by Lauren Ornelas, has long been a beacon of hope for food justice. The organization’s mission to generate more awareness about food choices to create a sustainable world spans numerous advocacy areas. From ensuring fair conditions for farm workers to improving access to healthy foods in marginalized communities, and protecting animals, this vegan nonprofit is making every effort to push the narrative of food justice forward. It also sheds light on corporations that exploit low-income areas, perpetuating food deserts and profiting from unethical practices, such as child labor in the chocolate industry.
Lauren Ornelas, the driving force behind F.E.P., has been an active figure in the animal rights movement for over 37 years. Her journey began as the executive director of Viva!USA, where she investigated factory farms and led impactful consumer campaigns. Her efforts have led to significant corporate changes, such as persuading Trader Joe’s to stop selling duck meat and influencing Whole Foods Market and Pier 1 Imports to adopt more ethical practices. Ornelas’s commitment to justice extends beyond animal rights, having served as campaign director with the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition for six years. Her TEDx talk, “The Power of Our Food Choices,” encapsulates her lifelong dedication to making a difference.
In its latest stride towards justice, F.E.P. has transitioned from a hierarchical structure to a collective leadership model. This shift aims to create an inclusive and collaborative environment where every voice is valued and heard. Under this new framework, organization-wide decisions are made democratically through a majority vote, while team-specific decisions are driven by leaders with input from all members.
This collective model emphasizes collaboration and accountability, crucial elements in advancing F.E.P.’s mission. As a nonprofit dedicated to promoting a fairer and more sustainable world through food choices, F.E.P. advocates for veganism, farm worker justice, fighting food apartheid, and raising awareness about child labor in the chocolate industry. This new structure streamlines decision-making processes and creates a platform where employee talent, passion, and expertise can thrive. It also empowers team members to pursue special projects with dedicated support, nurturing innovation and adaptability within the organization.
F.E.P.’s commitment to justice and sustainability is reflected in their guiding principle: “Our Mission is our Boss, not each other.” This ensures that every decision remains focused on creating a just world through responsible food choices. Building trust by empowering every team member’s voice enhances the organization’s understanding and addresses the real needs of those impacted by injustices in the food industry. This agile and responsive model allows for the quick implementation of meaningful changes, directly benefiting the communities.
In a world where collaboration is key, F.E.P. prioritizes working together for a sustainable future. Their restructured approach enhances their collective ability to pursue shared goals. By embracing a collective leadership model, F.E.P. sets a powerful example for other vegan nonprofits and organizations committed to food justice, showing that together, a more just and sustainable world is within reach.
Published by: Khy Talara