Shared Plates Program
Every week, boxes of our compostable plates and cups make their way to community kitchens, school fundraisers, and volunteer events across the country. We’ve watched our products become part of countless stories, from a food truck serving families in need in Florida to a festival celebrating immigrants’ contribution to our culture in California.
Shared Plate Partners grew from these stories. We’re launching it as a pilot program that provides larger year-round product support to three of our current partners. Through this we hope to nourish stronger relationships, shine a light on the important work our partners are doing, and grow their incredible impact.
This year we spotlighted three Culinary Changemakers, asking: What if food was more than just a meal? Their stories show that every plate can carry equity, culture, and resilience. Through our Shared Plate Partners, we lift up the chefs, vendors, and community leaders using food as a tool for change, proving these aren’t just meals, they’re movements.
Meet the Changemakers
Make Food Not Waste
Detroit, MI
This September, we spotlight how food can be a force for climate action and community care.
MFNW turns surplus food into sustenance while tackling food insecurity and statewide food systems change.
Why it matters:
MFNW tackles a top-priority climate solution: reducing food waste. Their work also helps answer a common customer question, how compostable packaging fits into real-world waste systems. Together, we’ll co-create educational content that drives clarity and action.
Oakland Bloom
Oakland, CA
This November, we highlight how food can be a path to ownership, cultural preservation, and systemic change—starting in the kitchen.
Oakland Bloom empowers immigrant and refugee chefs to launch their own food businesses, advancing economic equity through their Open Test Kitchen incubator.
Why it matters:
Oakland Bloom’s model embodies our core values: economic equity, cultural resilience, and innovation in foodservice. Their approach offers a powerful counterpoint to extractive food systems—and gives us an opportunity to uplift stories that redefine leadership and impact.
Street Vendor Project
New York, NY
This March, we turn the spotlight on the street vendors who fuel New York City’s food culture—and fight every day for visibility, rights, and recognition.
SVP empowers immigrant entrepreneurs, with direct legal representation, small business training and organizing support to ensure that every vendor can earn a dignified living and contribute to the unique food culture of NYC.
Why it matters:
Street vendors are a vital but often excluded part of the food system. By partnering with SVP, we expand the definition of foodservice leadership to include cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and grassroots resilience—while directly supporting a community that already uses World Centric products.
Because when you change the story around food, you change everything.