From the Blog
Celebrate Pride with These LGBTQ-owned Brands
Join us in celebrating Pride this month as we showcase LGBTQ+ owned brands you can find here on the Co-op shelves. As always, New Pi remains an inclusive space in the corridor where everyone is welcome and valued.
Below are just a few of the LGBTQ+ owned businesses you can find at the Co-op. Consider supporting them as you complete your weekly grocery shop! Keep reading to learn more.
Camp Creek Organic Produce
Formerly operating as Rainbow Roots Farm, Corbin Schultz is a first generation farmer committed to bringing delicious, organic produce to eastern Iowa. Now joining forces with the folks at Organic Greens in Kalona to increase production, Camp Creek Organic Produce can be found in our produce section all growing season!
Stonewall Kitchen
Starting in their kitchen in 1991, life and business partners Jonathan King and Jim Stott have built their farmer's market preserves into a high-end gourmet specialty food brand. While their name doesn't actually reference the Stonewall riots, their company is deeply involved in LGBTQ rights and promotes diversity, equality, freedom and love.
Coolhaus
With the goal of making the creamiest, most innovative and unique ice cream on the planet, Coolhaus has been a socially conscious brand from early on. Pride and community support is baked into the culture of the business started by married couple Natasha Case and Freya Estreller.
Peace Coffee
This organic, fair trade Minneapolis coffee company is on a mission to craft a delicious coffee experience while supporting fair treatment for humans along the supply chain. As a women-led, queer-owned complany, they partner with several nonprofits promoting gender justice, lgbtq+ rights and even celebrate Pride as a company holiday.
Omsom
Sisters Vanessa and Kim Pham started Omsom to bring proud, loud Asian flavors to your fingertips any day of the week. No more diluted dishes, no more cultural compromise. Celebrating Asian cuisine's fierceness and joyfulness aligns with Kim's outspoken pride in queer identity.
Maxine's Heavenly
Based on mom's (Maxine) beloved cookie recipe, Maxine's Heavenly recreated her tried and true recipe with better-for-you alternatives to make the cookie nutrient rich and guilt free. Maxine's Heavenly is LGBT-founded and their entire current C-Suite is LGBT as well as about 30% of staff.
Brew Dr. Kombucha
With a mission to bring the magic of kombucha to all, without compromise, Brew Dr is also commited to putting people and planet at the forefront of all they do. Brew Dr. proudly supports The Trevor Project, and stands with their LGBTQ employees to fight for progressive equitable legislation.
GT's Synergy Raw Kombucha
The first kombucha to be sold on U.S. shelves, GT's living foods are fueled by organic plants, raw fermentation, naturally occurring probiotics and ancient wisdom. As a gay entrepreneur, owner GT Dave is passionate to support others in the LGBTQ community, creating the Synergy Scholarship to empower the next generation of LGBTQ+ business owners.
Peanut Butter & Co.
Peanut Butter & Co. is an LGBTQ-owned business making peanut butter for peanut butter lovers! When founder Lee Zalben learned 27% of LGBTQ folks experienced food insecurity, the company launched their One Million Spoonfuls campaign to donate more than 36,000 pounds of peanut butter to food banks across the U.S.
Barb Danielson Marketing Specialist
Barb is a passionate advocate for local food economies, spending much of her free time in the growing season out in her own garden. She is a professional photographer and artist, now using her varied skills on the marketing team here at the Co-op.