As a board member, I see how the work of FEI directly impacts people in my community. Access to healthy food should be a human right and FEI lives by this notion! I have family who must manage their food in order to manage their health and I am grateful they have the needs to do so. I see FEI bridging the gap for those who may not have the means to access healthy and/or allergen-free food for their loved ones.
As a board member for FEI, I see the true impact we have on the community -- making healthy and life-sustaining food available to people who wouldn't otherwise be able to access it. There's no better mission than providing nourishing food for all, and FEI provides just that.
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As a volunteer board member, I've seen firsthand the impact that FEI has on the lives of individuals and families who are affected by food allergies. It's incredible to see how FEI gives families so much hope after receiving the daunting responsibility of feeding a family member with food allergies. FEI's work is unmatched and so important, and I'm honored to be part of the organization.
I am incredibly grateful for the continued support of this amazing program. As someone who needs to follow a strict gluten-free diet, finding safe and delicious food can be challenging. This program has not only made my life easier but has also far exceeded my expectations in terms of quality and convenience.
The variety of choices available is impressive, and each food item is of outstanding quality. The meals are not only nutritious but also delicious, making it much easier and more enjoyable to maintain a gluten-free diet.
Additionally, the service is exceptional. From the ease of ordering to the punctuality of deliveries, the entire process is efficient and hassle-free. The team is always ready to assist and ensures that every delivery is perfect. A special thanks to Crysta Green and Erin Martinez for your unwavering support.
This program has truly been a lifesaver for my family. It has provided us with peace of mind, knowing that we can enjoy safe and nutritious meals without the stress of having to find suitable options on our own.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible work you do and for your dedication to providing high-quality gluten-free foods. I highly recommend this program to anyone in need of gluten-free meal options; it has genuinely made a significant difference in our lives.
As a dedicated board member of FEI, I am continually inspired by our unwavering commitment to fighting for nutrition security and health equity for all. This organization stands at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing issues in our communities, ensuring that everyone has access to the nutrition they deserve.
Our Mission: At FEI, we believe that good nutrition are fundamental rights, not privileges. Our mission to combat nutrition insecurity and promote health equity drives every initiative, program, and partnership we undertake.
Impact: Through our comprehensive and inclusive approach, we have successfully improved the lives of countless individuals and families. From providing nutritious meals and education to advocating for systemic change, our efforts are creating healthier, more resilient communities.
Team and Leadership: Our dedicated team, led by passionate and visionary leaders, works tirelessly to bridge gaps and break down barriers to access. Their expertise and commitment ensure that we are not just meeting immediate needs but also fostering long-term, sustainable change.
Future Goals: As we look ahead, we remain focused on expanding our reach and deepening our impact. We are excited about the opportunities to further our mission and continue making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
I am incredibly proud to be part of such a transformative organization. If you are looking to support a cause that genuinely changes lives and promotes health equity, FEI is a remarkable choice. Together, we can create a future where nutrition security and health equity are realities for all.
Warm regards,
Michael Jensen
Board Member
FEI serves an often forgotten population of individuals who require specific foods for their health and wellbeing. There is a definite pricing inequality for allergen free foods. It is rewarding to be involved with an organization working to improve the lives of these individuals.
I love being a part of Food Equality Initiative, because they are providing solutions for people in our community. It's an honour to serve on this Board.
The work that FEI does in our community is so important to providing the food necessary for many individuals and families. They are filling a gap in resources available. Their offering of food as medicine evolves with science and community need.
FEI has been an absolute savior to our family. At a time where food costs are already at a high and continuing rising, compounded by our school district not providing snacks or well-rounded meals safe for our child's medical needs; we found ourselves struggling to provide adequate variety and balanced snacks and meals. Thankfully with FEI's help, we didn't have to stress on how to make our food budget stretch; and could focus more on the nutritional value while also providing a variety of safe foods. Erin and her team at Food Equality Initiative are excellent communicators, helpful, and go above and beyond. They are an absolute asset to the community!
FEI is the greatest gift my kids could have ever received! With 3/4 of the family on a strict GF diet, I feel extremely overwhelmed by the circumstances and the amount of money that we need each month to meet everyone's needs. It's just so hard! Not even their public school is able to provide a safe GF lunch for them and that's very disappointing because all the other kids in town have been receiving free lunch and breakfast since the beginning of the pandemic!
Thank to FEI, my kids can bring snacks and lunch to school everyday and the website we are currently using to shop, offers a variety of options they can chose from. We truly appreciate FEI! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Food Equality Initiative Inc. Is one of a kind. Unlike any other program that offers services of its kind that I've ever seen. I've been diagnosed with celiac disease for almost 8 years now. Finding alternatives to lead a healthy lifestyle, adapting to the changes in the dietary needs & the struggle of finding affordable food prices was the biggest struggle daily and weekly trying to put food on the table. But ever since finding Food Equality the relief it has brought me and my family, is beyond more then we can ever be thankful for. & we hope they are able to expand services and continue providing this amazing opportunity to future clients that have these dietary needs met.
When I found out 2 out of my 3 children had celiac it was very stressful. The cost of gluten free food was overwhelming. We have been so happy to have FFE it has definitely taken some of the burden off and my kids have been very pleased with what they’ve been able to get and enjoy! Very happy!
As a health and wellness coach many of my clients are changing their lifestyle to heal from autoimmune symptoms. The struggle is very challenging for them emotionally and financially. FEI is such a great space of resource to give individuals a sense they are not alone in their healing journey. The services provided give clients a feeling of being seen. They walk along side them as they begin to move into a new lifestyle that can be very isolating and severely depressive. To have financial support to help you pay for foods that will act as medicine for your body is a superior gift to someone suffering from ailments. This support can be the make or break of an individuals emotional well-being as well as physical. So thankful for all FEI stands for, provides and passions for EVERYONE to have the options to use Food as Medicine.
Food Equality Initiative serves an often forgotten portion of those who are food insecure. When you have an illness such as celiac disease and have to shop at a food pantry, there is always a limited number of items to choose from. FEI fills that gap for people - what a wonderful service to the community.
FEI has helped us find safe snacks for our daughter to eat. Allergen-free foods tend to be more expensive than other foods. Which makes it very hard and depressing when looking for snacks for a 3 year old. We’ve used FEI to “test” different options and then reorder her favorites. It also makes it more comfortable for us to buy them at the store if we need to because I already know she likes that option. Also, since most things get sent by the case we are able to leave some at grandparents houses for her to have when she’s with them.
Food costs seem to increase weekly causing an inequitable and disparate impact on those with special dietary needs. Food Equality Initiative (FEI) provides a critical service to such clients, helping nourish those who require food as medicine. As an FEI Board member and Treasurer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how FEI effectively advocates for their clients to ensure affordable access to the food they need for themselves and their families. Of special note is how FEI continually strives to increase efficiencies that further stretch donation and grant dollars to better serve even more clients within their communities.
I work in the food industry and understand the scope and impact food allergies and sensitivities can have on a person and their family. Compound a food issue with economic challenges and the impact goes far beyond the plate. FEI isn't afraid to take on this cause--by carving out an ownable space in the food equity ecosystem, by partnering with existing agencies and organizations to accelerate impact and by shining a bright light on a significant need in our community.
FEI is changing lives. Making safe food for people with restrictive diets is so underrated. Erin and her team work so hard to make safe food accessible and it really is a dream to work with this initiative.
FEI helps relieve the stress associated with food insecurity AND eating foods that support your health condition, which are usually more expensive, by providing safe food and helpful resources. FEI fills a very important gap and growing need in the food ecosystem.
As a parent of a child with multiple food allergies, I am acutely aware of how expensive special dietary restricted foods costs each week. When I learned about Food Equality Initiative, I jumped at the chance to become a Board Member. I'm grateful for FEI's support of families like mine to obtain safe foods and learn how to maintain healthy, safe and nutritious lives, while managing a tight budget.
Why we’ve done 2 food drives for the Food Equality Initiative within the last 6 months.
My daughter is my world and I would do anything to give her good health, happiness and normalcy... No child should have to settle for less. But when your world is rocked with anaphylactic food allergies and Celiac Disease, you learn very quickly that the word “normal” is no longer an option. I have worked very hard every day to ensure that my daughter never feels left out. Whatever her friends are eating, I will create a safe version. It might not be a perfect match, but I will do whatever I can to get as close as possible. But for all of those lopsided gluten free and nut free cake pops or warped versions of Olaf cupcakes, I am reminded every day that we are actually the lucky ones. We have the resources and ability to redefine the word “normal” when most do not. I knew I needed to raise a grateful child, one who would want to look out for her allergy friends and let them know they should not have to go without either.
Here is my daughters take on giving back…
My name is McKenna Rhodes and I am 8 years and 10 months old right now. The reason why I donate and have food drives for The Food Equality Initiative is because I know what it feels like to not be able to eat whatever I want. I am lucky that my parents and family can afford the food I need. If you go to the store and get food that I can’t eat, like cornbread, then it would be so much cheaper like $1.30. But, if you buy it gluten free, it would be more like $5.30 and you can see the difference. It’s so super expensive!! There is like a $4.00 difference. So, some people barely have the money to even afford cornbread, but if you go to FEI, you can get what you need to eat for free. So, I think that FEI is great because some people can’t afford that, but it has made a change in a bunch of people’s lives. I usually see regular food pantries needing peanut butter, but this place needs soy milk and the 8 most common food allergens like milk, eggs, dairy, wheat, and nuts. I know how hard it is to not be able to get to eat what all my friends are eating. Like, when my class won a competition, I had to eat something different and that made me feel left out. I know how hard that is, so I can only imagine how it would feel to not even be able to eat a safe version of what others are getting to eat. So, that is why FEI needs more donations so my friends never go hungry and never feel left out like we already do every day.
Love,
Tammy and McKenna Rhodes
Review from #MyGivingStory