The Issue & stats:
Despite the prosperous facade of developed countries, the stark reality of poverty often goes unnoticed. We're lulled into a false sense of security by the glittering skylines and booming economies, which can often blind us to the struggling individuals in our own communities. These are our neighbours, our friends, our family members, and our fellow citizens. They are found in bustling cities and rural expanses alike, a silent testament to the pervasive inequality that can so easily be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Over 34 Million in the USA are considered food insecure with one in 10 households struggling to afford food and basic necessities.
In the UK the number of those in food insecurity hit 4.7 million in 2022.
In Australia, it is estimated between 4% to 10% of the population is food insecure. However, due to a lack of accurate data, it is uncertain to gather a true representation of the true scale of food insecurity in Australia.
In New Zealand it is estimated up to 10% of the population is food insecure.
In canada food insecurity affcets around 15% of the population a figure of around 5 million people.
Our solution:
The recruitment industry, generating an astonishing $115 billion in revenue annually within the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, is a behemoth that has the potential to create a considerable impact when paired with a social impact social enterprise like ours. We launched a Pay What You Want recruitment service to capture a slice of this revenue from ethically minded companies and use 51% of that revenue to provide food, clothing, hygiene products, and more to those in moments of need.
Why we do what we do:
With only the belief that I can make a difference in people's lives. I wanted to prove a food bank could be so much more and do so much more when you combine it with an ethical business rather than live off the goodwill of donations, I wanted to create a sustainable ethical business that could amplify my reach and empower my mission.
Establishing a for-profit food bank may appear paradoxical at first, yet it introduces an entirely novel dynamic. This model infuses the traditional concept with renewed vitality, dismantling obstacles and magnifying the impact far beyond what reliance on donations alone could achieve. It provides corporations with a robust platform to contribute to the community, transforming corporate social responsibility from a peripheral action to a core element of their operations.
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Through Equality Floss, I've taken the essence of this idea and turned it into a reality. By merging my passion for art and social change, I'm creating a powerful social enterprise that uses commerce as a force for good. But it's not just about doing business ethically; it's about weaving a sense of responsibility, empathy, and compassion into the very fabric of what we do.
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But more than that, for the people we support, my goal is to get them to stand tall again, to regain their footing in a world that's often too harsh. This goes beyond handing out food and essentials. It's about listening to their stories, understanding their struggles, and offering support in ways that traditional food banks might overlook. Whether it's providing a listening ear, connecting them to resources, or just sharing a smile - these simple acts of kindness can be incredibly powerful.
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The journey hasn't always been smooth, and there have been plenty of challenges along the way, but every step has been worth it. Every canvas painted, every bottle designed, and every recruitment service offered, reinforces our mission - to prove that a food bank can be so much more, do so much more,
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I'm always up to chat with other social entrepreneurs and customers, so please don't hesitate to reach out or connect with me directly on LinkedIn, or on Instagram.
Stephen-Francis
Founder - Equality Floss