Ten Food-Centric Gifts that Give Back

The holiday season is here!

And while we’re in the giving mood, consider selecting a gift from one of these ten organizations so your gift can keep on giving. I highlighted the food items for purchase, and in turn part of the proceeds go to support a variety of countless missions throughout the world. If you have a suggestion or something to add to the conversation, please leave a comment below!

1. Equal Exchange | coffee, tea, chocolate, almonds, olive oil
Close to my heart is Atonement Lutheran Church, my home church, where I was welcomed into the choir despite questionable vocal abilities and cultivated a love for the hand bells. In addition to being musically forgiving, they have a large focus on outreach including selling Equal Exchange fair trade items in between worship services. These sustainable products help support small scale farmers in developing countries and many are organic.

2. FEED | bags galore, accessories, t-shirts
For a more in-depth explanation of FEED read my previous post, but basically FEED works to feed hungry children. They have a slew of items to choose from, so now would be the perfect time to purchase a gift or bag for the holiday season, which in turns goes to help support their mission.

3. Heifer International | an ark of animals such as sheep, goats, camels and honeybees
Heifer is one of my favorite charitable organizations because they help people to to help themselves. By providing livestock and training to struggling people, it empowers them to use the gift to support and feed their families, as well as passing on animal offspring which strengthens the community. If you purchase an animal in honor of someone, you can print customizable cards in recognition of the gift.

4. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital | hot chocolate, cookies, various other items
As quoted from the website, all profits from these products go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a facility on the forefront of treating children with life-threatening and terminal cancer.

5. Oxfam International | manure, worms, crabs, etc.
Similar to Heifer, Oxfam enables you to buy a gift for someone in need and a card for the honoree. For the person who has everything, consider planting 50 trees or a vegetable garden in their name.

6. Project 7 | coffee, gum, mints, water
Project 7 exists to give. When you buy any of their products, they give back in one of seven areas of need. It sounds complex but is truly simple, they do a better job of explaining than I do so please visit the website.

7. Compartes Chocolatier | organic, gourmet chocolate
I have a deep weakness for chocolate. No reason is necessary for me to consume it on a daily basis, but having the proceeds to go Relief International in Darfur is a fabulous extra benefit.

8. Ten Thousand Villages | tabletop items, place mats, napkins
Reflective of the name, Ten Thousand Villages offers goods from disadvantaged artisans around the world in fair trade partnerships. They don’t have animals or food products, but you can stylishly outfit your kitchen or dining area while simultaneously supporting struggling artisans in impoverished countries.

9. No Kid Hungry: Share Our Strength | holiday gift tags
Working to end childhood hunger in America, Share Our Strength also aims to educate and provide ways for children to have access to nutritious food. Read more about the four key components on their website. It’s the gift giving season, so make them extra meaningful with these tags.

10. Greyston Bakery | brownies
I’ve never met a brownie I didn’t like, but these go far above and beyond fixing my sweet tooth. Greyston Bakery was created to assist people to self-sufficiency and in turn, supports local community renewal. Check out their story and just see if you aren’t tempted by those brownies.

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