Lotus Foods
“Addressing this issue is a social and environmental obligation.”
Rice serves as a fundamental component of the diet for over 50% of the global population. However, conventional rice farming practices consume over 25% of the earth’s freshwater resources, expose millions of women to strenuous labor in poor conditions, and contribute significantly to climate change.
For more than 25 years, Caryl Levine and Ken Lee, the visionary co-founders of Lotus Foods, have worked diligently to counter these adverse effects and promote positive change within the rice industry.
Yet, this is merely the start. “We may be a small organization, but we harbor a bold ambition. Our goal is to revolutionize rice cultivation while simultaneously fostering the critical transformation needed in the food and agriculture systems,” Levine states. “This represents an essential moral obligation for social and environmental justice.”
The variety of rice options available today has significantly expanded from the limited choices of the past, such as Uncle Ben’s and Rice-A-Roni, much of which can be credited to innovators like Lee and Levine; they actively source and introduce rare rice varieties and their derivative products to the marketplace.
Lotus Foods proudly holds a B Corp certification, reflecting its commitment as a “small company with a monumental mission.” According to the co-founders, “We are dedicated to providing consumers with healthier and more sustainably produced rice, empowering them to play a role in the solution.”
B Corp
“Altering the framework is essential for success.”
B Corp represents a large non-profit network with a bold mission: “to reshape the global economy for the betterment of society, communities, and the environment.”
Their “Theory of Change” suggests that it is achievable to “reconstruct the economic landscape into one that is more inclusive, just, and sustainable.” With this goal in mind, they examine detrimental impacts across various societies and cultures and recommend global strategies to address these issues.
From small enterprises to large multinationals, and from local governments to global authorities, B Corp aims to “exchange knowledge and resources, initiate transformative actions, and instigate changes within economic systems.”
Curious whether a business holds B Corp certification? You can access their “Find a B Corp” tool on their website to identify companies that align with their rigorous standards.
In essence, B Corp’s ambitious aim is to “alter the culture, practices, and foundational aspects of capitalism; to achieve success, we need to change the game.”
The B Lab network seeks to leverage business as a force for positive change, helping organizations globally balance profitability with purpose. Central to their mission is a commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Their ultimate aspiration? “We will persist until all businesses operate as a catalyst for good.”
