Ben’s Original launches programs for food insecurity, BIPOC students

Who: Ben’s Original

What: The Mars Food brand is launching two initiatives targeting underserved communities.

The Be an After-School Hero program will address food insecurity while the Seat at the Table Fund is a scholarship for BIPOC students pursuing careers in food.

From August 15 to October 10, the brand will donate $1 to Food Banks Canada for every purchase of Ben's Original rice products (up to $100,000) to support Canadians facing food insecurity as part of Be an After-School Hero.

Officially open for applications, Seat at the Table was established through a $200,000 commitment by the brand announced in fall 2021. The needs-based awards are designed to help BIPOC students overcome financial barriers and positively affect pathways to employment within the food industry.

The scholarship will be available to students enrolled or accepted into culinary arts, baking, pastry or catering programs at Vancouver Community College (BC), Humber College (ON), Centennial College (ON) and Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (QC). Qualified candidates must identify as BIPOC and demonstrate financial need to complete their education. 

Each institution will administer and award five $5,000 awards annually over the next two academic years, beginning with the fall 2022 semester. Interested students can contact their Financial Aid department.