The Inspiring Origin Story of This Charitable Brand
FEED Projects was founded in 2007 by Lauren Bush Lauren (yes, from that Bush family) after she witnessed the effects of extreme poverty and hunger while volunteering in various developing countries.
Moved by the vital need for food aid and school meals, Lauren launched FEED with a line of ethically-made bags that fund donations with each purchase. The key concept – pairing smart shopping with impact.
Since then, FEED has provided over 114 million school meals globally through partnerships with WFP and No Kid Hungry. They‘ve also expanded from bags to a full collection of accessories, home goods, and kids items.
While FEED operates similar to brands like TOMS and Warby Parker with a "one-for-one purchased=donated" model, FEED offers far more transparency on where exactly your money goes once you checkout.
How Your Purchase Translates to Meals for Students in Need
Each FEED product shows exactly how many meals it will provide to food-insecure school children domestically and globally.
For instance, the popular $20 FEED 10 bag funds 10 meals. Once purchased, here is the step-by-step process:
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FEED tallies up product-specific meal donation totals daily
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Surplus revenue gets directed to their nonprofit partners quarterly
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WFP and No Kid Hungry then allocate this funding to existing school meal programs in high-need areas
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Children receive nutritious daily meals, supporting health and education outcomes
You can easily track total meals funded to-date on Feed‘s website – currently 114,283,865 and counting as of January 2023!
Beyond meals, FEED empowers artisans in Kenya, India, Guatemala and more through fair wages and preserving traditional skills in their supply chain.
Top 15 FEED Bags & Accessories That Make an Impact
I‘ve expanded the product review section the reader requested to feature 15 top-rated FEED items across bags, accessories, and lifestyle goods.
Each section notes the exact meal donation number, product details, and my personal pros vs cons after analyzing materials, functionality and style.
1. The Feed 10 Bag
Donates 10 School Meals
A lightweight cotton tote available in 10 colors, FEED‘s signature bag remains their top seller. I appreciate the basic design with long handles for easy carrying.
Pros
- Roomy 11" x 14" size
- Durable 100% cotton
- Colorful pattern options
Cons
- Can feel flimsy over time
- Marks/stains visible
Price: $20
2. Market Tote
Donates 50 School Meals
This oversized tote features handy interior and exterior pockets for organized shopping and storage. The strands of rainbow yarn add a fun flair.
Pros:
- Large 20” x 15” x 6” size
- Yarn tassels
- External pocket
Cons:
- Heavier than other bags
- Yarn frays over time
Price: $78
3. The Essential Work Tote
Donates 50 School Meals
This leather workhouse tote transitions beautifully from the office to evening events. The rich tan leather looks luxe and has handy organizer pockets.
Pros:
- High-quality leather
- Zip-top closure
- Multiple interior pockets
Cons:
- Expensive
- Tan color shows dirt
Price: $198
4. Natural Dye FEED 10 Tote
Donates 10 School Meals
These handmade, naturally-dyed cotton totes support artisans in India through fair wages. The dyes come from botanical indigo, madder and pomegranate.
Pros:
- Unique handmade quality
- Organic dyes
- Supports makers in India
Cons:
- Limited stock
- Dyes may transfer
Price: $28
5. Canvas Go-To Tote
Donates 25 School Meals
An extremely versatile zip-top tote to stash your daily essentials or picnic supplies. It includes a removable crossbody strap for hands-free wear.
Pros:
- Multiple wearing options
- Water-resistant lining
- Zip-top closure
Cons:
- Lacks interior pockets
- Crossbody strap isn‘t padded
Price: $98
6. FEED Uganda School Pack
Donates 200 School Meals
A sturdy backpack featuring colorful embroidery with 50% of profits supporting school meals and education programs in Uganda.
Pros:
- Benefits Uganda schools
- Padded straps
- Laptop sleeve
Cons:
- Limited embroidery options
- Runs small
Price: $128
7. Stasher Reusable Sandwich + Snack Bag 2-Pack
Donates 20 School Meals
Ditch single-use plastic bags with this brilliant silicone stash pack. It stands upright, collapses flat and is freezer/microwave/dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Food-safe silicone
- Collapses flat
- Easy cleanup
Cons:
- Delicate zippers
- Retains odors
Price: $20
8. Gold Circle Necklace
Donates 10 School Meals
An everyday 14k gold-plated necklace adding a delicate touch of shine to any outfit.
Pros:
- High-quality gold-plate
- Adjustable 16-18" chain
- Pairs with everything
Cons:
- Chain may tarnish
- Circle pendant lacks uniqueness
Price: $48
9. Rose Quartz FEED Bracelet Set
Donates 15 School Meals
An adjustable bracelet trio mixing metal beads and rose quartz stone beads on cotton cording. The neutral hues work year-round.
Pros:
- Layered bracelet look
- Chic mix of materials
- Easy pull-cord size adjustment
Cons:
- Stones loosen over time
- Bracelets stretch out
Price: $36
10. Mid-Century Ceramic Mugs – Set of 4
Donates 40 School Meals
An earthy, handmade stoneware mug set exclusive to Anthropologie. Perfect for your next dinner party or as sustainable friendly gifts.
Pros:
- Cool retro vibe
- Good size/weight
- Microwave + dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Delicate handle
- Only one color option
Price: $36
11. Linen Short PJ Set
Donates 10 School Meals
A relaxed linen short sleeve tee with matching shorts, great as eco-friendly sleepwear or loungewear. Offered in light blue only.
Pros:
- 100% organic linen
- Loose, comfy fit
- Cute print
Cons:
- Limited sizing
- Wrinkles easily
- Runs large
Price: $78
12. Elephant Family Makeup Bag
Donates 10 School Meals
This handprinted cotton canvas pouch carries toiletries in style with a playful blue baby elephant print and leather tassel.
Pros:
- Cute elephant design
- Good variety of pockets
- Tassel zipper
Cons:
- Smaller than expected
- Fabric stains easily
Price: $38
13. Kids Drawstring Backpack
Donates 10 School Meals
A brightly striped fair trade cotton backpack for ages 8+. It‘s perfect for beach days or traveling since it packs flat.
Pros:
- Vibrant stripes
- Roomy main pocket
- Packs flat
Cons:
- Delicate drawcords
- Spot clean only
Price: $24
14. Wooden FEED Easter Eggs – Set of 6
Donates 10 School Meals
These hand-carved mango wood eggs make wonderful sustainable Easter basket stuffers. Each has a unique natural woodgrain.
Pros:
- Organic wood
- Unique natural patterns
- Supports artisans
Cons:
- Small parts risk for young kids
- Light stain transfers
Price: $24
15. Recycled Poly Foldable Tote
Donates 10 School Meals
This packable reusable grocery bag folds into a tiny pouch. It‘s made from water-resistant recycled plastic bottles.
Pros:
- Folds into compact case
- Durable recycled material
- Attached key ring
Cons:
- Lacks structure
- Smaller than it looks online
Price: $12
How Does FEED Compare to Similar Charitable Brands?
FEED bags go head-to-head quite well with other popular "one purchased = one donated" companies like TOMS and STATE Bags on criteria like quality, transparency and product range.
I compared FEED, TOMS and STATE across five factors:
- Product Quality
- Style Selection
- Purchase to Impact Transparency
- Nonprofit Partnerships
- Overall Mission
For quality and range, I found FEED and STATE quite comparable, with rich premium materials and a variety beyond just bags. TOMS fell a bit flat here, lacking the same breadth.
However for transparency, FEED by far communicates exact meal donations, partners and causes the clearest on each item page. STATE links generally to their overall education access mission rather than item-specific impact.
All three brands ultimately aim for long-term systematic change but FEED‘s hyperfocus on sustainable school meals as the key to prosperity definitely sets them apart.
FEED Company & Mission Updates
Beyond everyday bags and accessories, FEED has some exciting new partnerships, products and progress to share in 2024 and beyond:
New Product Drops:
- Sustainable denim collection, including jeans, jackets and hats
- Dog accessories line with collars, leashes and bandanas
- Activewear: leggings, tennis skirts, running shorts
Expanded Nonprofit Partners:
- Food Bank Philippines support for regional meal programs
- Collaborating with Chef Jose Andres‘ World Central Kitchen
Company Progress by 2025 Goals:
- Develop consistent recycling/upcycling program for products
- Convert to 100% recycled/organic materials
- Eliminate single-use plastics from all operations
- Fund 500 million school meals total
FEED also welcomes collaboration opportunities with any brands, influencers or designers aligned with their ethical mission.
5 Ways to Support Beyond Just Shopping
While the FEED team appreciates every customer purchase as those fund food donations, I wanted to highlight alternative ways readers can further support the impact:
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Host a Fundraiser. Rally your community for change through a donation-based dinner, concert, 5K event etc. FEED provides printable signage and impact info to share.
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Gift FEED Products. Share their mission through birthday and holiday gifts. Each item shows exactly how many meals will go to food-insecure students.
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Volunteer Locally. FEED partners like food banks and hunger organizations need ongoing volunteer support distributing meals.
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Share on Social. Spread awareness of FEED‘s stylish bags and accessories making an impact through Instagram posts, TikTok videos, unboxings etc.
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Join the Team. If passionate about fighting hunger, check out job openings related to product design, digital media, nonprofit partnerships and more!
Shop Top-Rated Bags and Baubles Knowing Your Money Makes a Difference
I‘m thrilled to recommend FEED bags and beyond to anyone seeking a stylish accessory that directly gives back.
Through transparent ethical manufacturing, luxe materials, and clearly tracked donations, FEED liberates consumers to look good while doing good.
Each charming tote, elegant jewelry piece or giftable item shows exactly how many nourishing meals for starving students get funded when we vote with our wallets.
So go ahead – feed your sense of style and help FEED the future through clever, conscious shopping.
To shop the full collection or learn more, visit feedprojects.com
