Two Degrees Food

Facebook ‘Likes’ for Social Good

Peter — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:22:13 +0000

Social media enabled Justin Bieber — a pretty kid with a nice voice — to become an international star. Every day, it enables all kinds of people to make a name for themselves and gain attention. More than that, it enables brands to measure and activate the kind of marketing and advertising that resonates most effectively with their target audience.

Now, however, it has the potential to do something far greater: to help improve the lives of people all over the world.

If you’re at all into social media, you know the subtle feelings that these platforms can draw out of us when the conditions are right. Whether you post a picture, share a link, or post something of your own creation, you’ve likely felt the tingle of excitement as you noticed you had 4 (or 50!) new Notifications alerting you of friendly support, just begging to be clicked.

We can thank dopamine — a simple yet powerful chemical — for these feelings. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved with reward-driven learning and action. It’s responsible for feelings of pleasure, motivation and cognition. Both the anticipation of something favorable, and the direct stimulus itself, increase dopamine levels.

The question is whether we can use social media to harness dopamine more effectively and use it as a mechanism for social good.

A few weeks ago I conducted an experiment on Facebook. My post was simple:

For every “LIKE” this post gets in the next 24 hours, I’ll give a dollar to Ellen’s Heart and Soul (a friend’s charity that promotes healthy living for women with breast cancer).

Within hours I had racked up over 150 “Likes” (along with a friend who offered to match my donation) — the most “support” that I’ve ever gotten for anything on social media — and I post entertaining pictures of puppies fairly often.

The take away: my friends want to do something good, and are willing to “Like” my status to enable me to do so for them.

But what if a big company tried this? Skittles, for example, which has over 24,000,000 fans, gets anywhere between 2,000 and 20,000 “Likes” on any given post, everyday. Such as this one:

Now imagine if, for just one week, Skittles did something similar. Whether they chose to give money to a charity, meals to hungry kids, or school supplies to a non profit, this one page could have tremendous impact in the real world. And for a company this size, this donation would be pocket change — marketing dollars likely already being spent on Facebook ads. Now add a few more big companies into this social experiment. Soon, the amount of money and social impact available is in the millions, if not billions (See Justin Bieber’s Twitter). Corporations can show their customers what they stand for and the causes they support. It might even lead to new customer acquisition and higher revenues.

There are websites that make donations for actions performed. FreeRice.com, for example, gives 10 grains of rice for every answer you get right to simple questions.Tab for a Cause is a charity that donates money to your favorite causes just by surfing the web. Brands have used this concept before, but the goal has been to rack up page “Likes,” not to have a significant impact on a particular cause or organization. This concept of ‘clicking to give’ is clearly powerful, and has the potential to be a huge engine for giving if the right organizations gave it a try. And this model can only help charities, because fundraising alone isn’t enough. Customers can choose the companies they purchase from based on the causes that resonate most.

Play with Facebook a bit. Ask questions to your community, post quotes and pictures — write something controversial. For you sociology students, this is an incredible platform to try social experiments. If we can begin to harness the immense, online physiological power of dopamine, the possibilities for doing good– and making Facebook users start to feel good about their clicks on multiple levels– is enormous. Your “clicking” support of friends statuses, brand pages, articles, pictures and videos could create a whole new online community (and perhaps economy) of neurochemical-do-gooders.

This is for the daring, creative and socially-minded. What is next for these social platforms? What if Facebook made a donation for every “Like” platform wide for just one day (2.7B “Likes” per day)? We need to collectively recognize the need and opportunity to give back to those who don’t have the luxury of Liking a status, Sharing an article or Commenting on a post. The conversation needs to start right here. Let’s turn on the dopamine machines, and put our heads together to figure out how best to use this incredible tool for good.

Lauren Walters featured on the Today Show

TwoDegreesFood — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 01:28:25 +0000

TODAY | Aired on November 15, 2012

Visit to Rwanda inspires a new beginning at 57

When Lauren Walters visited Rwanda at the age of 57 and saw the hunger there, he was inspired to do something to help. He has since joined up with the son of a friend, Will Hauser, 23, to start Two Degrees, which donates a meal to a hungry child for every food bar they sell. TODAY’s Jane Pauley reports.

Original Link: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/49837949#49837949

My summer Interning at Two Degrees Food

Peter — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 18:03:37 +0000

I had the honor of interning at Two Degrees Food this past summer as a Marketing Intern. Like many college students, I began my internship search looking for a place that I would find interest in, would help me grow, and would be easily accessible. Two Degrees offered these qualities, but it also offered something greater. What attracted me to this company the most was its mission. I quickly fell in love with the location and the product. But more importantly, I fell in love with the “One-For-One” model. Working for a company that is based on doing good and helping others, provide me with the greatest experience of all. The best part about this internship was working with the Two Degrees Team. Each individual shares the same passion for the company and its mission as I do. When I first met the team it was evident that they were all working there because of the
passion they have for ending child hunger and malnutrition and encouraging others to do so as well. Not only was I able to further develop and strengthen my Marketing and Business skills, more importantly, I learned that each one of us can make a direct difference through simple everyday purchases. Two Degrees Food is not your typical snack bar company. It is a company that exists to make a positive change throughout the world, and encourages everyone to be a part of that effort. The greatest feeling this summer was the realization that I, too, was helping in that effort and will continue to do so as I continue my journey. I will always support and be connected to Two Degrees and will continue to be a member of this team, helping carry out its
mission.

Best,

Mariel de Leon

Mariel is an undergraduate at Haas School of Business

Which Two Degrees bar flavor is the BEST?

Peter — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:30:24 +0000

We get asked this question alllllll the time! The easy answer is: “Well, everyone has different taste preferences and it depends if you’re looking for more of a fruity, nutty or chocolatey taste”. The more difficult answer involves a brief analysis of each of our fantastic flavors. If you’re new to the Two Degrees community and have yet to try a bar, this should help you pick out your first bar(s):

Chocolate Peanut: Also referred to by some as the “‘crazin’ raisin choco-peanut haven,” this fruit and nut bar warmly welcomes you with a strong peanut taste, gently accented by hints of chocolate and raisin, with a satisfying, earthy crunch from the quinoa, chia and millet seeds that can be found in all four of our bars. This tasty little guy was our top seller for our first entire year in business! If you like chocolate peanut bars, but don’t want the overwhelming chocolate and sweet flavor that’s common in many other bars, this might just be the one for you!

Apple Pecan: Like apple pie? How about apple crisp? How about apple pie and apple crisp fused together into a low-calorie, gluten free, and vegan on-the-go snack? If so, you might have just found your match! This bar is infused with dried apples, real pecans, and tasty heritage grains that are in all of our bars. While this bar isn’t the overall crowd favorite, some people swear it’s the best bar they’ve ever tasted and would even give their children away for a free lifetime supply! Seriously though. All the kids– gone.

Cherry Almond: Oh man…this one is our bread and butter. Our stellar chef,Barr Hogen, clearly crafted this one knowing that it would be as hit. Welcome to the world of delicious, tart cherries, and toasted almonds, rice crisps and, yep– you guessed it– those grain staples that pull all the tastes and textures together into a bar of cherry-licious proportions!!!

Chocolate Banana: Here we are. Chocolate banana. If you’ve ever had a frozen chocolate-covered banana, you know the amazing taste of this bar already. Except ours is crunchy! This bar has a different look, taste and texture from the other three bars, but more and more customers are saying that this one is the blue ribbon winner. Made with unsulfured bananas and our tasty chocolate this bar is an amazing fusion of texture and flavor explosion in your mouth. Recently, in fact, our interns did some analysis of the movement of each of our flavors, and it looks like Chocolate Banana is currently our fastest moving flavor– it literally flies (with her banana wings) off of the shelves and counter tops. If you want this critic’s opinion, the Two Degrees Chocolate Banana flavor is, without question, the BEST BAR IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!!!!

There you have it. A completely unbiased and neutral (har-har) review of the Two Degrees bar flavors. Try them all to see which is YOUR favorite!

Enjoy!

Two Degrees Gives Back for Back-to-School Season

Hilary — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 22:52:56 +0000

With the school year right around the corner, many American parents are gearing up for the semester with purchases of new clothes, school supplies, and lunchtime favorites. After having spent a summer in the sun, these children are prepared to return to school refreshed and ready to learn.

However, for the over 16 million US children who live in food-insecure homes, this part of the year often signifies the struggle to get basic supplies and full bellies. The effects of food insufficiency on childhood education can be devastating. Not only does hunger diminish mental focus and brain function, the physical effects of nutrient insufficiency lead to a lowered immune system, which can sideline children from attending school. Thus, hunger not only is a humanitarian issue, but a roadblock to our future generation’s success.

In light of our amazing new partnership with Feeding America, we at Two Degrees wanted to share how our newest NGO Partner is helping school children stay healthy and put their best foot forward during the school year! The organization addresses hunger through many influential national programs. The Kids Cafe and the BackPack Program are two examples of how Feeding America feeds hungry kids in the US.

The Kids Cafe provides meals and snacks for children in established after-school activities, like the Boys and Girls Club, recreation centers, etc. And- in addition to feeding kids- some Kids Cafes also offer a safe place for children to be involved in recreational, educational, and social activities with the supervision of trustworthy adults. All Kids Cafe sites also educate children in health and nutrition throughout the school year. Just how successful is this anti-hunger program? Over 1,500 Kids Cafe sites operate nationwide, serving more than 122,000 children each school year!

The BackPack Program helps provide meals to children over the weekends- a time when many kids from food-insufficient homes often struggle to get enough to eat. The BackPack program packs nutritious, easy to prepare meals in children’s book bags to take home over the weekend or vacation period. Many of these food provisions also feed younger siblings in the family, thus ensuring multiple child households have enough food for all! Just like its after-school counterpart, the BackPack Program also has an extensive reach- over 230,000 children keep their stomachs full during the weekend through this Feeding America initiative.

Both of these programs have proven instrumental in the battle against childhood hunger within the US, and we are proud to partner with Feeding America in our mission to feed hungry children. So remember when you’re stocking up for the new school year- Two Degrees bars not only make great, healthy snacks but also help feed other hungry kids in schools across the country. Thanks for your continued support, and happy back-to-school!

Why One-For-One?

Kai — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 23:06:43 +0000

Why one-for-one? This question gets to the root of our raison d’être: At Two Degrees Food, we believe that the concept and business model of “buy one, give one” can change the world.

In a time of social, economic and political battles (it’s election season, of course), questions of ethics– of individuals and nations– comes to the fore. How should we treat others–whether Americans, immigrants or foreigners? The question is easily answered when one considers family and friends, but becomes more complicated when one considers people from different backgrounds, cultures and belief systems. What do you do when you happen upon a homeless person? Do you acknowledge their humanity with a nod and “hello” and continue walking? Do you stop and rid your wallet of weathered ones? Maybe you continue walking, acknowledge the common humanity, but ultimately shrug your shoulders with the universal “I’ve got nothing–so sorry!” Or do you merely continue walking by without a glance? How we treat those who are worst off in society speaks volumes about our culture.

So, again…why one-for-one? We believe that between your purchase decisions, and our giving partnerships, we can seriously tackle this one, tremendous and devastating, global problem: childhood hunger, because there’s really nothing worse in the world.

We believe that consumerism and philanthropy do not need to be separate ideas or actions. In this day and age, there’s no reason why all parties involved in a business transaction shouldn’t benefit: we feed you, you feed us, and we feed others. The power of connection is tremendous, and with the help of conscientious and caring people like you, who share our products and mission with your community, we all can change the world, and the lives of others, for the better. One bar sold is one meal given…and sometimes that one meal can mean the difference between a lifetime of disease, illness, and hardship and one of opportunity, education and prosperity.

Did you know that if you can provide a child with adequate nutrition for just the first three years of life, you’ve given them the keys to a future of possibilities? Just three years. These first few years are the foundation on which a child, and their community can build a future. Without those first nourished years, serious problems will emerge and can persist through future generations.

We try to make giving and helping others simple, affordable and even a bit tasty. Put your checkbooks away, pull out a handful of quarters, and feed yourself and another at the same time. You’re only two steps away from a hungry child– somewhere in the world– and here at Two Degrees Food, we will continue to bridge that gap for you; we will continue to make giving easy and rewarding.

Join our movement. Help us fight childhood hunger by feeding your own.

Meet the Interns!

Brett — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:53:34 +0000

We’re bar-heads (bär-heds): a person who works so closely with snack bars that they neglect the real world…and sometimes, their interns) How could we have been so silly– so forgetful!? Let’s meet the interns!

A month ago, we were lucky enough to have four incredible individuals join our team as summer interns. It’s been a busy month for all of us, and we admittedly forgot to formally introduce you to these incredible individuals.

Without further adieu, meet our Fabulous Summer 2012 Interns….

Name: Kevin Phu – Operations
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
What you’re working on now at Two Degrees: Some people call me the master of Online Order Fulfillment, Sales, and Account Management…but I’m modest. I’m becoming an operations MASTER with the guidance of Matt and Hilary.
My most embarrassing moment was: Having to admit I listen to Call Me Maybe (see next question)
Last song I listened to was: Call Me Maybe (Cookie Monster Remix)
My spirit Animal is: a Fox. Think Fantastic Mr. Fox. That’s me.
My favorite Two Degrees bar is: Apple Pecan

Name: Virginia Hine – College Program & Recruiting
Hometown: Representing! Memphis, TEN
What are you working on now at Two Degrees: Working on the *new and improved* Two Degrees Campus Program! All you high school and college folks are going to LOVE this!
My most embarrassing moment was: There are many, but one of the most scarring would be the 6th grade spelling bee in front of the entire school. Stage fright. First Round. Spell “yard.” Nerves racing. “Y. A. R. Yard.” I forgot the D, and was eliminated first round.
Last song I listened to was: Downlink’s Live Set from the Music Box 2011
My spirit animal is: A bear cub! Just look at me!
My favorite Two Degrees bar is: Chocolate Banana. No question.

Name: Lily Pan – Product Development
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
What you’re working on now at Two Degrees: Business Analysis and New Product Development
My most embarrassing moment was: tripping on the sidewalk and falling flat on my face while walking and talking with my college professor
Last song I listened to was: Drive By (Train)
My (aspirational) spirit Animal is: Tiger. Or at least I aspire to be like one.
My favorite Two Degrees bar is: Apple Pecan, because it’s the guilt-free version of Apple a la Mode!

Name: Mariel de Leon
Hometown: Fremont, CA
What you’re working on now at Two Degrees: I am currently the Marketing Intern and have been assisting with the creation of our business reports, compiling and analyzing our sales data to evaluate weekly and monthly sales performance. I am also assisting with New Proprietary Product Development and Whole Foods Account Management.
My most embarrassing moment was: When I met James Lafferty from One Tree Hill and as I was going in to shake his hand, I tripped and fell in front of the table!
Last song I listened to was: Payphone by Maroon 5
My spirit Animal is: Happy Chipmunk
My favorite Two Degrees bar is: Chocolate Peanut and Apple Pecan!

Two Degrees adds a momentous new partner…

Brett — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:39:40 +0000

We’ve got a extraordinary new partnership to announce! But first let’s take stock of what’s already in place…

The power of Two Degrees Food comes from its network. At the ground floor we rely squarely on you, our supporters. Every time you purchase a Two Degrees bar, you enable the donation of a meal to a hungry child. That’s no small feat: together we’ve donated hundreds of thousands of meals. That’s something to feel good about.

Another part of the Two Degrees network is our fantastic staff, which has grown organically over the months of Two Degrees’s operation. It all started with Lauren and Will — Two Degrees founders who met over twenty years ago — and has branched out to include the powerful team that today drives our business into the future. Let’s also not forget the robust Two Degrees Campus Program, which empowers college students to sell Two Degrees bars and spread the word about our mission at college campuses across the United States.

On the corporate level, we have critical partners — respected companies such as AOL, Cisco, Facebook, The Atlantic and Hewlett Packard — that support our business by not only buying bars, but also providing us with the tools and network to raise awareness about our one-for-one mission to fight childhood hunger.

The rubber hits the road with our non-profit partners. These are the organizations that are on the ground across the planet actually delivering the meals that Two Degrees purchases trigger. Our founding partner was Partners in Health, which has done decades of top-notch work in Haiti and then other parts of the world. Since that founding partnership, we’ve expanded our ability to impact childhood hunger by engaging more partners: Akshaya Patra in India, Valid Nutrition in Malawi and Relief International in Somalia, to name a few.

Today we’re happy to announce that Two Degrees is now official partners with IMA World Health, an organization that has advanced health and healing to vulnerable and marginalized people the world over since the 1960’s. IMA was named one of Forbes’ 20 most efficient charities two years in a row and has received Charity Navigator’s highest efficiency ratings five years running. The sustainable solutions driven approach that IMA brings to the table has been cultivated over decades of work in some of the hardest hit parts of the world.

We sincerely look forward to continuing our fight against childhood hunger with IMA World Health as part of the Two Degrees family. With partners like IMA and supporters like you, there is no limit to the positive impact we can make.

Two Degrees tackles hunger in America

Brett — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:36:46 +0000

The fight against hunger sometimes encounters apathy from Americans who view it as a far away problem. Discussion of childhood hunger may conjure up images of dark-skinned children in African countries. But the truth is hunger is a global issue and affects developed and developing countries alike — even theUnited States. In 2010, for example, there were 48.8 million Americans living in food insecure households. In that same year, over 16 million children lived in food insecure houses. These are families — children — who don’t have access to consistent, nutritious meals. These are Americans whose potential and prosperity are gravely threatened by lack of food.

Two Degrees is committed to fight childhood hunger no matter where it exists. As such, we’re tremendously excited to announce our newly formed partnership with Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Through a nationwide network of food banks, Feeding America provides nutritious, fresh foods to Americans struggling with hunger. Food insecurity is a serious threat to the healthy development of American children, and Feeding America has taken the lead in providing critical meals for those in need.

We’re a one-for-one food company. You bet our gluten free, vegan bars are tasty and healthy, but they also make an impact on world hunger — wherever it exists. For every bar you buy, we give a meal to a hungry child. Now your impact will also be felt here in the United States. Thank you for your continued support and join us in celebrating a powerful new partnership between Two Degrees and Feeding America!

Leonardo DaVinci does lattes at the Coffee Fest Chicago 2012

Brett — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 22:42:07 +0000

Decent Form...

Now you're getting the hang of it...

You've got to be kidding!

TD Team at Coffee Fest 2012

The Two Degrees Team was thrilled to be in attendance at the annual Coffee Fest Chicago this past week. This vibrant show is in its 65th iteration and is a fulcrum of sorts for the specialtycoffee industry. Attendees came from all corners of the US and manned 190 exhibition booths.

Highlights included the World Latte Art Championship Open. Check out the visual!

Human potential sure does manifest itself in many forms. Free form. Foamy form. Fantastic!

But that’s not the only news from Coffee Fest. Hundreds of products were put to popular vote among the gathered masses, and guess what? Two Degrees was voted as one of the best new consumable products! Way to go team.

Coffee shops have taken a real liking to the Two Degrees product and mission…and we’re super excited about our momentum in the coffee market. A big hello to all the connections we made at Coffee Fest! We hope to work with you soon.