As LGBTQ+ consumers celebrate Pride Month this June, plant-based brands Silk and So Delicious Dairy Free, both part of the Danone North America portfolio, are giving them a little more reason to celebrate.
The two brands are donating more than $100,000 combined to two organizations that provide assistance to LGBTQ+ youth who are homeless. According to research from the University of Chicago, LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness. In addition, 20-40% of homeless youth are members of the LGBTQ+ community, according to Youth.gov
“We want to use our business as a force for good every day—inside and outside the company,” said Terrance Irizarry, chief diversity officer for Danone North America, in response to e-mailed questions. “As inclusive leaders in the plant-based industry, our brands Silk and So Delicious Dairy Free are proud to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and help create a more inclusive world for all.”
Silk will donate $100,000 to True Colors United, which provides homeless youth with education, advocacy and leadership development programs. This will mark the third consecutive year the brand has contributed to the organization.
Separately, So Delicious Dairy Free will contribute $10,000 to Denver-based Urban Peak, which has long been supported by the brand. The donation will help Urban Peak support homeless youth with getting an apartment, earning a GED, and accessing mental health care.
“Many consumers recognize Silk and So Delicious as originators and leaders in the plant-based category and trusted sources for quality, delicious plant-based products,” Irizarry said. “Over the past year, there has been a renewed focus on well-being, inspiring many – in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond – to explore adding plant-based products and ingredients into their diets.”
In addition to its contribution, Silk will use its social channels to encourage consumers to participate in a virtual Pride Parade. Content for the event will include personal stories from members of the LGBTQ+ community, including some True Colors United members, about how they overcame adversity.
Silk will also be the sponsoring brand of this year’s Family Movie Night, which is part of the Human Rights Conference, which, in turn, will be sponsored by Danone North America. The parent company is also a sponsor of New York Pride, one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in the country, Irizarry said.
“Danone North America believes that everyone should be able to express themselves freely and openly and should be afforded the same rights and privileges, including those of any sexual orientation or gender identity,” Irizarry said. “We are also proud to report that we’ve scored 100% on the most recent Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index and have maintained that score over the last three years.”
