Tag: 3BL

Since 1981, CHRIS 180 has served more than 200,000 children, youth, adults and families, helping them build resiliency through tough times and overcoming trauma to become productive citizens through inclusive and innovative counseling, foster care and adoption, family and community support programs, preventing homelessness and violence, and providing professionals with the tools they need to serve their community.

Their annual gala, the CHRIStalBall, is right around the corner and a great way to witness the impact CHRIS 180 has on the Atlanta community. Grab your ticket to attend and experience the life-changing work they do. See you there!

https://www.christalball.org/

Watch the video here

Georgia-Pacific

Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, nonwoven fabrics, building products and related chemicals. Our familiar consumer brands include Quilted Northern®, Angel Soft®, Brawny®, Dixie®, enMotion®, Sparkle® and Vanity Fair®. Georgia-Pacific has long been a leading supplier of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large do-it-yourself warehouse retailers. Its Georgia-Pacific Recycling subsidiary is among the world’s largest traders of paper, metal and plastics. The company operates more than 150 facilities and employs more than 30,000 people directly and creates approximately 89,000 jobs indirectly. For more information, visit: gp.com/about-us . For news, visit: gp.com/news

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Food labeling is a complex and dynamic field that requires constant attention to detail and compliance with various regulations. In this eBook, Vice President of Food Safety with SCS Global Services and expert in food labeling, regulatory affairs, and commercialization, Denise Webster shares insights on how to avoid the most common pitfalls and challenges that food manufacturers and retailers face when managing their food product labels.

Whether you are concerned about allergen declarations, nutrition facts, flavor disclosures, product claims, or the latest standards of identity, this eBook will help you navigate current food labeling requirements and best practices.

Here’s some of what you’ll find in this eBook:

Learn about the top 10 food safety labeling compliance issues and how to avoid themDirect links to the specific legislative language most relevant to each food labeling issueExpert, real-world tips on how to ensure compliance at every step of the labeling processBest practices for nutritional facts panel formatting, ensuring accurate serving sizes, calculating PDCAAS, and many more seemingly minor technicalities that can cause major problems for labeling operationsOverview of emerging regulatory themes and initiatives that will impact food labeling in 2024 and beyond

Download the full eBook here.

For information on FDA Food Labeling Compliance Training, visit our website or contact:

Shyama Devarajan 
Senior Marketing Manager, SCS Global Services 
sdevarajan@scsglobalservices.com

Welcome to the very special 250th issue of GreenMoney. This new issue features reader favorites from the last decade, along with a few of our own all-time revered articles. From our media library, we’ve selected the most watched and listened to videos and podcasts. Then to mark this pivotal moment, we’re leading with BSR’s revealing retrospective “Beyond 2025: Setting Credible Sustainability Goals for Long-term Impact”.

We are featuring articles from – Amy Domini of Domini Impact Investments; Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield Farm; Mary Barra of General Motors; Tim Smith of Boston Trust Walden; Edward Mazria of Architecture 2030; Jenn Pryce of Calvert Impact; Ted Janulis of Investable Oceans; Janine Benyus of Biomimicry Institute; the team at Natural Investments; Ray C. Anderson of Interface; and John Howell of Climate & Capital Media on Green Bonds.

Also check out a new video on “Enoughness” on bringing Indigenous Values into Finance; as well a recent Podcast featuring Michael Pollan on Food systems.

Find it all at- https://GreenMoney.com

 

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SWORDS, Ireland, August 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, is exploring how climate technology and innovation are transforming the spaces where we live, work, learn and play with Season 4 of its Healthy Spaces Podcast.

“Building a net-zero future begins with crucial conversations with the innovators who are leading the way, one healthy space at a time,” said Dominique Silva, Healthy Spaces podcast co-host and EMEA marketing leader, Trane Technologies. “On this season of the Healthy Spaces podcast, we’re talking with the entrepreneurs, scientists and sustainability leaders who are shaping the future of climate technology. Our goal is to educate audiences on the breakthrough technology that already exists today, while discovering what’s next on the radar and how we can make a positive impact together.”

Dominique Silva is joined as co-host by Scott Tew, Vice President of Sustainability, and Oakley Roberts, Vice President of Innovation. Season 4 launched with Episode 1, “Growth Mindset,” featuring a conversation with venture capitalist Steve Westly about scaling clean technologies. More episodes are available now and include:

Episode 2, “Nitty Gritty on Net-Zero” – a conversation with climate activist Avipsa Mahapatra on the importance of transparency as companies activate net-zero plans. 
 Episode 3, “Climate Talent” – Opportunity@Work co-founder and CEO Byron Auguste joins Trane Technologies VP of Talent Betsey Strobl to talk about how to leverage the talents of employees skilled through alternative routes to help decarbonize our world. 
 Episode 4, “Rethinking Heat Policy” – a conversation with Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University, about how to elevate community insights to protect people from extreme heat. 
 Episode 5, “Digital Transformation” – Bob Irvin and Ryan Rutledge from climate tech incubator Joules Accelerator join Trane Technologies Chief Digital Officer Riaz Raihan to talk about how digital technology is reducing emissions and unlocking value.

More episodes will be released later this summer that explore topics like preventing food loss, supporting the next generation of climate innovators, and the role of marketing and communications in advancing sustainability strategy.

Each episode also features a story from a listener about how they are building healthy spaces in their own organizations and communities. Listeners are invited to submit their stories on the Healthy Spaces Podcast webpage to be considered for a future episode.

Healthy Spaces is streaming now on podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Through bold, industry-leading action and innovation, Trane Technologies is advancing its 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge to reduce customer emissions by a billion metric tons and its pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company’s emissions reduction targets have been externally validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

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About Trane Technologies 
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. Visit tranetechnologies.com.

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to our sustainability commitments and the impact of these commitments. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

KFC

PLANO, Texas, August 12, 2024 /3BL/ – In celebration of International Youth Day, KFC today announces a partnership with Plan International to support youth in their pursuit of skills and work of their choosing – at KFC restaurants and beyond.

Plan International is working toward a world where all are equal. They partner with young people and their communities to provide resources and support to help youth overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. With a presence in 80+ countries, Plan International is one of the oldest and widest-reaching organizations that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

Nearly 75 percent of young people aged 15 to 24 in 92 countries lack the basic skills needed for employment, according to the Education Commission and UNICEF. KFC’s partnership with Plan International will empower young people, especially girls and persons with disabilities, to pursue their professional dreams and goals through tailored training and resources. The partnership has four key objectives:

Providing pathways for young people to pursue decent work of their choosingSupporting young people to develop market-driven, relevant skillsFostering a work environment where youth can be authentically themselvesPromoting positive social norms about young people as economic actors and valuable contributors

“We are so proud to link arms with Plan International to help feed the potential of youth around the world,” said Meredith Krones, Integrated Communications and Social Purpose Lead at KFC Global. “Working to address inequities and support individuals is one way KFC can make lasting impact in the communities we serve. Whether you choose to work at KFC or pursue a different passion, we know this work is building a brighter future for everyone involved.”

To achieve its partnership objectives, KFC will contribute to Plan International’s Skills & Work Fund, co-develop best practice guides on youth-friendly recruitment, training and retention, and welcome young people to its corporate offices to experience a day in the life of a KFC executive.

“Our partnership with KFC Global will create real opportunities for young people, especially young women and those with disabilities,” said Shanna Marzilli, President and CEO at Plan International USA. “This is about more than just jobs; it’s about helping young people who seem to have the odds stacked against them to build the skills and confidence they need to shape their own futures.”

This work builds on KFC’s existing efforts to support youth employability, including initiatives in Thailand and the UK. KFC Thailand’s Bucket Search program unlocks opportunities for drop-out students through confidence-building and vocational exploration. These work and study opportunities are aimed at socially re-integrating youth in support of Thailand’s zero dropout vision. Since 2023, Bucket Search has helped 130 school dropouts reintegrate into the education system.

KFC United Kingdom and Ireland’s Hatch employability program focuses on opening doors to young people and unlocking the life-changing power of a first job. Through Hatch, 825 young people have increased access to growing skills and opportunities to promote confidence, resilience and aspiration while providing a viable pathway to sustainable employment.

About KFC

KFC is a global chicken restaurant brand with a rich, decades-long history of success and innovation. It all started with one cook, Colonel Harland Sanders, who created the Original Recipe more than 90 years ago, a list of 11 secret herbs and spices scratched out on the back of the door to his kitchen. Today, while honoring our heritage, we remain committed to modernizing the colonel’s vision, by serving feel-good food, at scale, through inclusive, equitable and sustainable business practices. We continue to follow his formula for success, with real cooks breading and freshly preparing our delicious chicken by hand in more than 30,000 restaurants in 150 countries and territories around the world. KFC is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM.)​

About Plan International

Plan International is an international development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of challenges children face. We are there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in more than 80 countries. We won’t stop until we are all equal.

For more information, please visit www.PlanUSA.org.

Groundbreaking social experiment uses AI powered by Lenovo to raise awareness of Gen Zs’ loneliness and anxiety exacerbated by big differences in their real and online lives.New Lenovo research finds 60% of Gen Z respondents wish they could have difficult conversations with family in real life.Almost half (48%) say talking to a trained professional would give them the confidence to talk more openly with the people they love in the real world.Lenovo partners with mental health non-profit organizations in the US, UK, and Japan to expand access to 24/7 mental health support for young people.

August 12, 2024 /3BL/ – Lenovo™ released the newest iteration of its Work For Humankind project, titled ‘Meet Your Digital Self’. The project highlights the role that smarter technology and AI can play in helping to advance change and support mental health professionals in addressing the global youth mental health crisis. This work aims to address the challenges young people face when living different lives in the real world versus online, as two-thirds (67%) of Gen Z feel a disconnect between their online and offline selves, fuelling feelings of loneliness and anxiety. While almost half (49%) of Gen Zs say it’s easier to express themselves online than offline, 60% wish they could have difficult conversations with family and loved ones in real life.

Sarah Kendrick, Clinical Director at Mental Health Innovations, the charity running the UK’s Shout 24/7 text support service said, “One in eight people globally grapple with a mental health condition, with Gen Z experiencing the greatest impact, where that figure rises to one in five. The type of AI innovation in Lenovo’s ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ social experiment shows promise as a way in which generations with different understandings of online personas can meet and understand each other.”

In this first-of-its-kind social experiment, Lenovo pioneered the use of AI made possible by its broad portfolio of technology, from mobile phones and PCs to infrastructure, software, services, solutions, and cloud. The combined technology brought to life the entire online personas of two Gen Z project participants as lifelike avatars capable of having unscripted, natural conversation.

The experiment facilitated impactful, heartfelt conversations between the participants, their family members, and the avatars – conversations that might not have happened otherwise, in real life. The family members either didn’t know about their Gen Z participant’s online world or didn’t understand and accept it: be it their career choices or gender identity. By asking the digital avatars questions and having real-time conversations, each family member gained invaluable insights into their Gen Z loved one’s true self as expressed in the online world and were able to better understand and reconnect in real life. The project is a pioneering proof of concept demonstrating the positive impact technology can have in advancing positive change in the youth mental health epidemic, which has been worsened by their struggle to balance two distinct online and offline identities.

The 3D avatars not only resembled each participant but were built to be able to respond to real-time conversation – adjusting their tones, movements, and facial expressions based on the discussion. To do that the avatars were trained on data that came directly from each participant’s online persona.

According to new research from Lenovo, almost half (48%) of Gen Zs say talking to a trained professional would give them the confidence to talk more openly with the people they love in the real world.

In an effort to expand mental health support and resources for people in need, Lenovo has partnered with several organizations, such as Shout, a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service based in the UK; Crisis Text Line, a non-profit organization that provides free, 24/7 confidential text-based mental health support in both English and Spanish for anyone in the US and Puerto Rico; and Anata no Ibasho in Japan. These organizations train real people who are then supervised by mental health professional staff, offering support to millions in need.

The digital versions of the two Gen Z participants were created by weaving together data from across their social media, blog, and forum handles securely with their consent. The data was trained and tested, and the project designed and brought to life with Lenovo devices, services, software, servers, and cloud solutions. This is the first time ever that Lenovo solutions have come together to develop an avatar of this kind. Devices and solutions include Lenovo ThinkStation™ workstations; ThinkCentre™ desktop computers; Lenovo Legion™, ThinkBook™ and Yoga™ laptops; Lenovo tablets; ThinkVision™ monitors and accessories; motorola razr smartphones; ThinkEdge™ SE450 Edge Server; AI Professional Services and Lenovo | Dropbox Cloud Storage.

“Technology can become the bridge that shortens distances, making powerful human-to-human connection faster and more accessible to people in moments of need,” said Dr. Shairi Turner, Chief Health Officer at Crisis Text Line. “Whether someone is in a classroom, at a family event, or lying awake at night, the power of a text conversation with another human offers solace in anonymity and compassion without judgement. It is truly brave to reach out for support.”

Crisis Text Line reports that more than 70% of its texters are under the age of 25. Its text-based service helps people of all ages but was specifically created for young people allowing for on-demand support through text message.

Anyone who sees themselves in these films, struggling to reconcile their online and offline identities and more deeply connect with their friends and family, or who simply needs advice on how to reach out to someone close to them, can reach out for support by messaging Shout (UK), Crisis Text Line (US), or Anata no Ibasho (Japan).

“We recognize the importance of achieving a healthy digital balance for our overall mental wellbeing,” commented Emily Ketchen, global vice president and CMO of Intelligent Devices Group and International Markets at Lenovo. “With huge advancements in AI and smarter technologies, now is the time to explore and pilot creative new ways to use technology like AI thoughtfully and responsibly, for the greater good. Lenovo is uniquely positioned to lead here thanks to having one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of smarter technology—from AI devices to IT solutions—that can work seamlessly together to benefit our society and the next generation. Ultimately, we hope that through our ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ social experiment we can spark meaningful conversations that contribute to the mental wellbeing of individuals and communities worldwide.”

Chinatsu Hoashi, Gen Z participant from Japan comments: “Taking part in the ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ social experiment has definitely helped strengthen relationships with my family. By using technology and AI, I was able to open up more and convey what I always wanted them know. This has had a positive impact on my mental health, as I can finally express feelings I have been avoiding telling people because I was too embarrassed.”

Oscar Jackson-Walsh, Gen Z participant from UK comments: “Taking part in this social experiment has helped me to become more confident and bridge the gap between myself and my online persona. It has also enabled me to have more open conversations with my family around my identity, which has not only made me feel more loved and accepted than ever before, but also less alone and anxious in a family space.”

Watch the ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ videos here:

The Evolution of Work For Humankind: https://youtu.be/X-r74EHhudwMeet Your Digital Self, Chinatsu | Work For Humankind: https://youtu.be/fNHIJFfGvHcMeet Your Digital Self, Oscar | Work For Humankind: https://youtu.be/RAPN71vErUQ

We are committed to fostering the next generation of leaders in the utility industry. Our summer internship program offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and build meaningful connections within the company. Through engaging projects and mentorship, our interns are equipped to make significant contributions and grow both personally and professionally.

Mathew Sweeney, one of our talented summer interns, shared some of his experiences and insights from his time with us.

Q: Can you introduce yourself?

A: My name is Matthew Sweeney, and I’m from Milford, Delaware. This summer I interned with the Construction and Maintenance department at Delmarva Power. A little bit about myself – I’m a rising senior studying advertising and digital marketing at York College of Pennsylvania. Yep, that’s right. I’m a marketing major in C&M, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Q: What were some of the major projects you worked on during your internship?

A: My time in Construction and Maintenance saw me taking on several major projects. One of my critical responsibilities was providing organizational support to a head engineer by sorting and streamlining his job application inbox. I also hosted a beach clean-up event, where twenty employees and I removed a large amount of trash from one of our local beaches.

Q: Did you have any experiences outside of your main department?

A: Yes, beyond my C&M projects, I took initiative and reached out to several people in the Communications and Marketing department. This gave me the opportunity to take on communications projects alongside shadowing a senior marketing specialist at Carneys Point.

Q: What new knowledge did you gain during your internship?

A: Through my time in this internship, I gained invaluable knowledge about the utility industry. I learned all about the local energy grid through lessons and tours, as well as how Delmarva Power operates as a business.

Q: How did you grow personally and professionally during this experience?

A: Alongside learning, I was able to connect with many new people. I am a quiet person, so meeting new people can be tough. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by networking with various employees, and it paid off. If it wasn’t for me reaching out, I would have never learned about our Communications and Marketing department and met so many great individuals.

Q: What was your overall impression of the internship program?

A: My internship experience was incredibly rewarding. The individuals who organized this program deserve significant recognition, and I am grateful for the opportunity to experience this company and connect with so many wonderful people. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and hope to secure a future opportunity with this company.

Originally published in FedEx’s 2023 FedEx Cares Report

Accelerating Latino progress

FedEx Hispanic Action Network (HAN) members participated in the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) Conference, themed “Accelerating Latino Progress.” They engaged in 20+ workshops on topics like mental health, culture, and education, fostering connections and learning. FedEx representatives, including regional communications specialist Jerry Alvaré and Managing Director Peggy Carrera, contributed to workshops and forums, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating cultural heritage.

I welcome events like these where I can share why FedEx is a great company. Building a diverse talent pipeline will only make us stronger and more competitive.

Peggy Carrera 
Managing Director, Linehaul Engineering, FedEx Ground

A legacy of acceptance

Since 2005, FedEx has contributed over $2 million to LGBTQ+ causes, including the Matthew Shepard Foundation. In June 2023, the FedEx LGBTQ+ & Friends Network hosted Matthew’s parents Judy and Dennis at our World Headquarters to discuss how everyone can play a role in challenging hate and discrimination and promoting greater equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community

We’re all an ‘other’ to somebody. People around the world are victimized for different reasons – our hope is to inspire individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of every individual and community.

Judy Shepard

An inclusive and multicultural book fair

Books serve as mirrors reflecting our identities and windows into diverse experiences. However, many children lack stories that resonate with their backgrounds. Recognizing this, FedEx Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) organized a Multicultural Children’s Book Drive and collected over 38,000 books. The books were distributed to 50 nonprofit organizations focused on enriching children’s perspectives and fostering a sense of belonging.

It takes a village. The Book Drive not only makes an impact but fosters collaboration and allyship among all our ERGs. I am proud of the 225 event leaders, Human Resources reps, and our organizing team who made this book drive a reality!

Rachee Powell 
Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at FedEx Ground

Read more

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

August 12, 2024 /3BL/ – The Boston-based sustainability nonprofit advocacy organization Ceres has announced new co-chairs of its Board of Directors and members to its President’s Council.

In February, the Ceres Board of Directors unanimously approved Inherent Group CEO Tony Davis and Janet Ranganathan, Managing Director and Executive Vice President of Strategy, Learning, and Results at the World Resources Institute (WRI), as its new Board co-chairs.

“I am honored to serve as co-chair of the Ceres Board of Directors,” said Davis. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members and Ceres staff to advance our important mission. Time is short. We must urgently tackle climate change and reduce its impacts on people and the planet. Investors, corporations, and policymakers have a vital role to play—and Ceres is uniquely positioned to work with these groups to improve outcomes for all.”

“I am excited to become co-chair of the Ceres Board, supporting an organization at the forefront of transforming capital markets by harnessing the power of its investor and corporate networks,” said Ranganathan. “Ceres leads with courage, forging a more inclusive and sustainable future for our planet.”

Ceres former Board chair, Barney Schauble, Senior Advisor at Nephila, stepped down in June after 13 years on the Board, of which seven he served as chair. Schauble now serves on Ceres President’s Council.

“I was proud to serve on the Ceres Board for 13 years, the last seven as chair, before stepping down this summer. I am delighted that Tony and Janet have agreed to lead the Board as co-chairs and I am excited to see the ongoing evolution of Ceres under their leadership,” said Schauble. “I believe Ceres plays a unique role at the intersection of climate, sustainability, and capital markets, and I look forward to continuing my involvement with the organization as a President’s Council member.”

“It has been a tremendous pleasure to work alongside Barney, and I am incredibly grateful for his steadfast leadership and support,” said Ceres CEO and President Mindy Lubber. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Tony and Janet as Ceres looks ahead to continue to address the systemic threats of climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and nature and biodiversity loss during this consequential period.”

Ceres has also welcomed two new President’s Council members: Kunle Apampa, Director and Head of Client Solutions at Capricorn Investment Group, and Missy Grace, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Alpine Rewards. Members serve as ambassadors for Ceres and help to enhance the organization’s impact through direct support, expertise, and outreach.

“I am honored to join the Ceres President’s Council and to be part of a community that is committed to driving sustainable change,” said Apampa. “I look forward to contributing to our collective efforts in advancing best practices that will shape a more resilient and equitable future for all.”

“I am thrilled to join the Ceres President’s Council because I care deeply about creating a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable world,” said Grace. “The Council allows me to work with others who share my passion and to take real steps toward making a positive impact on the environment and society.”

Ceres Board is made up of 25 members and the President’s Council is made up of 34 members. Learn more here. 

Meet our new Board co-chairs:

Tony Davis 
Tony Davis is CEO and CIO of Inherent Group, an investment management firm focused on the equity and credit markets. The firm uses environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to source and underwrite core investments. Through its engagement with companies, the firm aims to inspire investors and managers to incorporate sustainability into their decisions and to encourage business more broadly to address environmental and social challenges. Inherent manages $1 billion in public and private investments.

Janet Ranganathan 
Janet Ranganathan is the Managing Director and Executive Vice President for Strategy, Learning, and Results at WRI, a global research organization that addresses the urgent sustainability challenges related to food, forests, water, climate, energy, cities and the ocean. She leads the development and execution of WRI’s five-year strategy and oversees WRI’s Research Integrity, Managing for Results, and Data Lab teams.

Meet our new President’s Council members: 

Kunle Apampa

Kunle Apampa is a Director and Head of Client Solutions at Capricorn Investment Group, one of the largest mission-aligned investment firms globally managing $9 billion in assets on behalf of families, foundations, and institutional investors. Kunle is responsible for the growth of Capricorn as an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) for private families and foundations.

Missy Grace

Missy Grace is an executive with more than three decades of management consulting, human resources, leadership development and operations experience in boutique consulting firms, technology start-ups and Fortune 500 companies. She is currently one of the Founders and the Chief Operating Officer of Alpine Rewards, a strategic advisory firm focusing on executive compensation and employee rewards in the Life Sciences and Technology sectors.

About Ceres 

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable world. United under a shared vision, our powerful networks of investors and companies are proving sustainability is the bottom line—changing markets and sectors from the inside out. For more information, visit ceres.org.

Media Contact: Sara Sciammacco, mediainquiries@ceres.org

Doing good and giving back are not just catch phrases for us — they’re core to who we are. Recently, we spoke with Los Angeles-based teammate Renu Mevasse, who’s making an impact fighting hunger in her community through her commitment to her local food bank.

How long have you been involved with Westside Food Bank, and what motivates you to continue volunteering with them?   

I have been volunteering with Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District x Westside Food Bank through the Weekend Bag Program for the past 10 years and recently started volunteering directly with the Westside Food Bank this year. 

I continue to volunteer with them because I see the direct impact the program makes to the kids and families in our community. Each week during the school year, SMMUSD x Westside Food Bank provides food to families, especially on the weekends, to help supplement nutritional gaps. And during the summer, the food bank continues to support these families when school is not in session.

What impact have you seen from the food bank’s efforts in the community, and how do you feel being part of this initiative? 

Did you know that 1 in 5 American children is food insecure? While almost 30 million students in the U.S. receive free or reduced-priced meals during the school year, when school lets out for summer break, millions of these kids go hungry. In Los Angeles County specifically, that equates to 1 in 4 households with kids.  Westside Food Bank serves LA county, so I believe that our collective efforts help in some small way. 

Can you share a memorable experience from your volunteering efforts?  

In June, I volunteered with fellow LA-based Clorox teammates to pack meal kits for kids. School-provided meal programs are often the only consistent source of nutrition for students, so summer is a critical time for food insecurity. We stepped away from our desks for a few hours and packed more than 250 meal kits. As a bonus, it gave us the opportunity to get to know each other better!

How has your experience on The Clorox Company Foundation board of trustees influenced your approach to community service? 

I joined the board of trustees because I believe in the mission and giving back to our communities, especially in smaller and more personal ways. Being involved in my community brings a greater purpose and balance to my life. I also love being on the board because it gives me a better appreciation for all the ways each one of us can give back.

How do you balance your volunteer work with your professional responsibilities? 

I am passionate about helping families (especially children) overcome food insecurity, but with a busy work and family life, I wanted a consistent opportunity that I could stick with. The great thing about SMMUSD and the Westside Food Bank is that I can volunteer for an hour a week delivering weekend food bags to the different schools while on my way to and from picking up my own kids. Or I can take advantage of Summer Fridays and take a half day to volunteer with friends, family or coworkers. The key to volunteering is to find something that you are passionate about and then take one small action. Sometimes that’s all the time you have. But even that small action can make a big impact in someone else’s life!