Restoring Dignity, One Meal at a Time

Empowering the Hungry Without Stigma

My good friend, Cary Umhau, is a writer, speaker, and visionary founder of Breadcoin, a nonprofit addressing food insecurity through innovative, dignity-focused solutions. Passionate about fostering connection and hope, Cary inspires others to see the humanity in every person and take meaningful action in their communities. Cary writes:

A friend once told me, “I remember digging through a dumpster for food and realizing someone was watching me. They were looking at me with disgust. But no one looking for food in a dumpster is doing that because it’s their preference. I was hungry.”

Imagine being in middle school, going through the lunch line with friends, and fearing someone would see your lunch ticket, its different color a telltale sign of getting a free lunch.

What would it feel like to muster the courage to ask for free food at a restaurant? Can you picture yourself outside, praying a sympathetic cashier is at the register, that no one else will hear you, and—most significantly—that you won’t be turned away still hungry?

And as much as we wonder, when seeing someone panhandling, if they really need food or would waste the money, what if that person is actually hungry—and we could easily ensure they eat?

Breadcoin was designed with these dilemmas in mind. It’s a nonprofit that uses a community food token redeemable at participating restaurants (in four states and DC). Breadcoin is growing nationwide, addressing food-security issues, particularly for those without kitchens. Food pantries can’t help those folks; another solution was needed.

Here’s how it works: Generous people give monthly to fund the coins. Breadcoin partners with local nonprofits that serve people but lack a food budget. The nonprofits distribute the coins within relationships (not as one-off handouts).

Recipients take the coins (worth $2.50 each) to participating restaurants. Breadcoin redeems them monthly, paying the restaurants in full. Restaurants can also apply for microloans, repaid in Breadcoins.

From coffee stands to full-scale restaurants, 160+ establishments accept Breadcoins. When the community uses them, there’s no stigma for a hungry person. (Those who can afford to, buy and use them, just like gift certificates, with no added fees.)

I love the story of a father living in a men’s shelter. He saved up Breadcoins to take his daughter to a sit-down restaurant. Normally, he’d visit her in the shelter, amidst long tables of men. He said, “I felt like a regular father. Sitting there, being treated well, treating my daughter well. I realized I have to get my life in order. I realized I CAN get my life in order.”

Dignity often tastes better than food, and Breadcoin restores dignity—one meal at a time.

Question

How can I help restore dignity to someone facing hunger in my community?

Peace,

Cary

*Join us in taking action. Fourteen nonprofits are waiting to help feed their hungry clients with Breadcoins. Every dollar given provides food and supports local restaurants. To be part of this dignified solution, give today at any level.

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