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Letter from Lauren: February '21
Letter from Lauren: February
Another (short) month has flown by. One that was filled with snowy, solitary walks, puzzles, WFH sweatpants, and cozy time spent with my boys. Also, of course, a whole lot of do-gooding at FEED (virtual) HQ.
February is Black History Month. To mark the occasion, we created a special Black Women in History Tote, helping to support the NAACP with a donation of over $5,200. This tote celebrates and commemorates just a few of the incredible Black women who shaped history. Women who broke barriers, spoke up, and dared to dream of a brighter, more equitable future for other Black women and girls. It’s a tote I’m proud to carry, far beyond the month of February.
We also celebrated Valentine’s Day – a holiday that I recognize is equal parts beloved and hated. Personally, I’m someone who loves it. Especially this year, I appreciated taking a moment to get crafty and send out handmade Valentines to my team, girlfriends and family. A little love care package from afar goes a long way these days.
There’s a lot to be learned from February, in terms of sentiments we should be carrying year-round – love, unity, antiracism, kindness, equity, understanding, inclusion, to name a few. Dare to imagine a world that exemplifies these ideals every single day. Even better, dare to take action (even small ones) to help make that world a reality.
Here are a few things I've been loving and living in, this past month:
Change Making
Last week was an unprecedented one for my family & friends in TX, all of whom lost power, water, and endured some level of cold and / or displacement – and they were among the lucky ones. Millions of people are facing an uphill battle as they recover from the winter storm. As of Monday, about 8.6 million people were still being told to boil their drinking water and about 120,000 others had no water at all, according to the NYTimes.
In response, we’re launching a limited-edition Texas Relief Tote to help – every tote purchased will donate $5 to Feeding Texas, to help support emergency hunger relief efforts. Even while we’re apart – we’re stronger when we work together to make a difference.
There are other ways you can help too. If you are able, consider donating to the following organizations helping Texans in need right now.
Cooking, baking (and eating)
This winter has been extra snowy and chilly, so I have been cooking lots of different soups and stews and making extra to be frozen for a later date or lunch the next day. Here are three of my faves, all found on the New York Times Cooking app.
- Hearty Quinoa and White Bean Soup, by Mary McCartney (adopted by Jeff Gordinier)
- Chickpea Stew with Orzo and Mustard Greens, by Melissa Clark
- Rend Curry Lentils with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach, by Lidey Heuck
Reading, Watching, Listening
Although I love discovering new music, I tend to always find my way home to these soulful songs, which I have compiled on my FEED Dumbo Spotify playlist over the past 3+ years. It is a mixed bag, but I do have a special love for folk music from the 70s. I hope you enjoy some of my favorite tunes!
FEED Fave
We recently launched a highly-anticipated product (and one that I really think is perfect, although I am obviously biased).
Our wallet is not only chic and supple, made with high-quality leather, but it is so functional, you can really stuff it with cards, change, and other odds and ends.
Shopping
We stocked a few of our favorite Black-owned brands on the site this month – from the 100% cotton face masks we sell at the FEED Shop & Cafe, to all-natural skincare, and soy-wax candles.
It’s never been more important to support small, diverse brands – it’s also one of the most direct, sustainable ways to support the Black community.
Ask LBL: What are your must-haves in your bag?
My wallet, iPhone, and reusable water bottle (I am a Nalgene girl). After that, I try to remember my earbuds, lip gloss, extra mask, and hand sanitizer. Lastly, I tend to always have a little toy car or airplane for my boys if they need something to play with and a kids snack or two, like an organic fruit leather or granola bar (these also double as on-the-go pregnancy snacks, a must have).