nonprofit – Downtown Magazine

by Fernanda Mueller

Founded in 2013, by the world-renowned researchers and speakers, Danielle Nierenberg and Bernard Pollack, Food Tank has helped to highlight innovative ideas to improve our food system, like regenerative agriculture, food access, and affordability, creating better policy and preventing food waste. Besides the active online presence, the Food Tank’s Summits have hosted hundreds of speakers to get people’s attention to the subject.

The 2019 New York Food Tank Summit

This year’s summit took place at New York University, on November 1st and 2nd. Among the speakers were leaders like James Rogers, a scientist that is mimicking nature to prevent food loss and waste – at Apeel‘s website you can learn more about how this technology works; Jyoti Stephens, representing Nature’s Path, a company that relies on regenerative and organic agriculture practices to restore soils and landscapes; Haile Thomas, a 18-year-old chef, author and activist on health, CEO of HAPPY (Healthy Active Positive Purposeful Youth); besides many journalists and writers that are doing a great work reporting about these issues and making people aware of it.

One of the highlights of the event was when Mark Bittman, author of How to Cook Everything and editor-in-chief of Heated, took the stand to talk about the importance of food policy. After all, eating is a political act. He also talked about how many companies say they care about the environment and people’s health, when they’re not actually helping.

“Pepsi doesn’t really do anything good. Mcdonald’s says they want to do better, but they have to show up. Should these companies exist? Give me a magical wand and they are gone.” – Mark Bittman.

To learn more about the organization and become a member, access Food Tank‘s website.

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Upcoming Event: 10TH ANNUAL TASTE OF THE SEAPORT

Oliver Scholars, a nonprofit organization serving high-achieving Black and Latino students, hosted the Fifth Annual Oliver Scholars Gala, on May 8^th, 2018. At the Gala, Oliver Scholars honored Carmine Di Sibio, Global Managing Partner for Client Service at EY, and CNN Anchor Don Lemon, for their industry achievements. Oliver Scholars also recognized the graduating class of 2018 and bestowed three scholars awards for achievements in leadership, service, and scholarship. The evening celebrated changing lives through the power of education and was hosted by NBC Rise Actor and Oliver Scholars Alumna, Shirley Rumierk.

The event took place at Guastavino’s, located at 409 E 59^th Street in New York City at 6:30 p.m.

Oliver Scholars prepares gifted Black and Latino students from underserved New York City communities for success at top independent schools and prestigious colleges. The organization provides crucial support for Scholars through highly competitive programs, and in offering academic, social, and leadership skills development.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kLbNlaeQZVd-URawpR8HtkhmeeSxo_iv — Labeebah Subair ’18, winner of Scholar Award for Excellence in Scholarship

“When a young person demonstrates ability and the potential it is essential to create access to a path that will foster their development,” says Chantal Stevens, Interim CEO of Oliver Scholars. “These young people are the next generation of thought leaders and trailblazers. Through our programs, we ensure exceptional students from New York City are prepared to lead successful lives.”

Each year, the Oliver Scholars Gala brings together over 300 philanthropists, activists, and those who believe that every student in New York City deserves access to the best resources. The funds raised by the Gala support the organization’s comprehensive classes, workshops, and counseling sessions. These resources prepare students for the accelerated pace of independent schools and prestigious colleges.

“The funds raised from the annual Gala allow us to support these exceptional students with academic preparation and placement into top schools,” said Gala Committee Chair Timothy Pope. “The generosity of the Gala donors helps in providing these extraordinary Scholars with access to opportunities they would not have had otherwise.

Founded in 1984, Oliver Scholars is distinctive among access programs for its commitment to providing transition support for the whole family. It also strives to develop students’ social-emotional skills, and instill an essence of giving back within them. The Oliver experience includes up to 12 years of one-on-one support – from middle school through college graduation – after-school and summer coursework, and pre-career training.

For additional information visit: www.oliverscholars.org