Photo: (Kaplow)
FEED Projects founder Lauren Bush Lauren is working hard to feed hungry Americans. Ever since news of her FEED USA + Target collaboration was announced, she's been traveling around the country promoting the collab and working to encourage people to take action against hunger.
The collaboration includes products ranging from $3 to $400, and each item will have a number on it that corresponds to the number of meals it will provide. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Feeding America, where the goal is to donate at least 10 million meals to Americans who are food insecure.
We've still have two days until we can finally shop the collaboration (June 30 is the big day!), so we're going to tide you over with some scoop from the founder herself! Check out our interview with Lauren Bush Lauren below in which she dishes on her favorite FEED USA + Target pieces and what you need to know about hunger in America. Plus, we got a chance for you to win Lauren's favorite product from the line, the folding bike valued at $400!
ACT: FEED has partnered with other retailers before. What makes the FEED USA + Target collaboration special?
LAUREN: This is FEED's largest-ever initiative to fight hunger here in the United States. Through the collaboration with Target, we hope to provide more than 10 million meals for children and families in need across America. This is a significant number when you consider that we've donated a total of 60 million meals so far since our founding in 2007. This is also FEED's first, comprehensive lifestyle collection and Target's biggest partnership with a social business or giveback brand. We're so excited to offer such a large number and variety of products!
ACT: The items in the collection are said to have an "Americana" theme. Why was that important to you?
LAUREN: I have always loved and embraced the Americana aesthetic: It's modern and casual, yet elegant with a hand-crafted feel. And because our focus with the FEED + Target collaboration is to shine a light on the problem of hunger in America and raise funds to benefit Feeding America, the Americana theme was something that really resonated.
ACT: We know you're really excited about the bike, but what are some of your other favorite items from the collection?
LAUREN: There are more than 50 pieces in the collection, and I think they're all wonderful! But if I had to choose a favorite aside from the bike, I would have to say the dinnerware and kitchen textiles. They're so fun and classic, and the perfect way to add personality to a home, apartment or dorm room (while also giving back!).
ACT: What do you think people need to know about hunger in America?
LAUREN: First of all, people need to know the facts, since they're pretty staggering. More than 50 million Americans struggle with hunger. The faces of hunger are our neighbors, our coworkers, people we meet every day — many of whom have jobs but just have trouble making ends meet. Also, one in eight Americans receives food from Feeding America, a leading hunger relief charity in the US. I'm proud and excited that our collaboration with Target will benefit this organization.
ACT: When the collection launches, every product will have a meal donation attached to it that benefits Feeding America. Why was Feeding America the right choice to benefit from this collaboration?
LAUREN: Feeding America has been a FEED beneficiary in the past, and Target has supported Feeding America for many years, so it was a natural choice.
ACT: FEED has been in action for almost six years now. What is something you learned that surprised you over the last few years?
LAUREN: When I first founded FEED in 2007, with the simple idea of a burlap bag that could empower consumers to get involved in the fight against hunger, I never dreamed that we could provide nearly 60 million school meals globally. So, that is something that has pleasantly surprised me over the last few years! FEED is thrilled to take the next step in fighting hunger with Target; their broad, national reach will really give us the potential to have a large impact on the issue in the United States.
ACT: Finally, after we take home our FEED USA + Target goodies, what else can we do to fight hunger in the US and around the world?
LAUREN: Get involved! This can mean anything from donating to your local food bank to gathering a group of your friends to volunteer. Hunger is a serious issue in our country, but it is a solvable problem. Everyone can do their part. From spreading awareness to taking action, it all makes a difference.
+ Here's Your Chance To Win A FEED USA + Target Bike
Giving back this summer and want some wheels to seal the deal? We've partnered with FEED USA + Target to give one lucky winner a brand new FEED USA bike, valued at $400! Tweet us @MTVAct one thing you're doing to give back this summer, and include the hashtags #FEEDUSA and #FEEDback as well as the link to the rules. We'll be selecting the most unique and inspiring tweeter from now until Tuesday, July 2 at 5 pm ET and Target will send them a hot new ride!
All photos from FEED USA + Target
