Chocolate uterus from Laughing Gull Chocolates in Rochester, NY
Chocolate is one of those things that we expect to be apolitical, to be delicious and comforting no matter how you vote. But as we bean-to-bar chocolate lovers know, politics is baked into it, with real people’s lives affected.
We talk a lot about social justice in the craft chocolate world, and usually we’re referring to human rights issues in other countries. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is a reminder that we need look no further than our own practices, in our own country. As a strong supporter of women in all capacities, I’m excited to see chocolate companies taking a stand and raising funds for reproductive rights.
Here are five companies that are supporting reproductive rights through their chocolate. If you prefer to donate directly to nonprofits themselves, even better. Check out the links below for lists of where to donate.
Chocolate Vulvas From Rabble-Rouser Chocolate & Craft
Co-founder Liz Knapp named her employee-owned company Rabble-Rouser to describe their mission of “tasteful social change.” The Vermont-based company raise funds for pro-choice organizations: In the past they’ve donated to Planned Parenthood, among other nonprofits. They’re currently donating a percentage of their sales of chocolate vulvas to the Afiya Center in Texas. Yes, that’s right, chocolate vulvas. With each one, they include artwork from the Vulva Gallery in the Netherlands (whom they also donate to).
Chocolate Uteruses From Laughing Gull Chocolates
Three female chocolatiers helm this socially minded chocolate shop in Rochester, NY. From the beginning, they’ve given back to local organizations. In September they designed a uterus mold with a local artist and began donating a portion of profits to the Afiya Center in Texas. In response to June’s Supreme Court decision renouncing Roe v. Wade, they’ve launched a new kind of golden ticket: “As homage to an average menstrual cycle,” one in every 28 uteruses will be red berry-lined. Anyone who gets one “wins” the chance to send a uterus to someone else (based on a list Laughing Gull gives them) or the company will double its donation.
Bars From Madhu Chocolate
Based in my hometown of Austin, Texas, Madhu is one of the most exciting bean-to-bar makers in the country. Founders Harshit Gupta and Elliott Curelop source high-quality cocoa beans from Colombia and transform them into Indian-inspired bars from scratch. Think rose-pistachio dark chocolate and coconut milk chocolate. Through the month of July, they’re donating $1 of every bar sold to the National Abortion Federation, which provides information to those considering or seeking abortion.
Employee Aid At Caputo’s
Caputo’s and its distribution company A Priori are responsible for most of the craft chocolate we see in stores across the country. The Salt Lake City-based, family-owned company represents some of the most beloved bean-to-bar brands like Dick Taylor, Fruition, and Ritual. In response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, co-owners Yelena and Matt Caputo sent a memo to their employees and posted it on social media, offering support. Yelena clarified, “We are self funding costs (travel, lodging, medicine, etc.) for our 100+ employees who are impacted by this decision given Utah’s strict trigger law and may have to travel outside of state for services.”
Chocolate Vulvas at Temper and Mo
Chocolate vulvas make an appearance again, at this tiny chocolatier in Eugene, Oregon. Founder Missy Johnson Wright says her company has donated to women’s organizations and “agencies that help with child care and relief for parents” since its inception. Part of the proceeds of chocolate vulva sales go toward organizations that, under the current climate, Wright prefers not to mention directly on her website, showing just how dire the situation is.
Where to Donate
Here’s Where You Can Donate to Support Abortion Access Right Now (via Katie Couric)
7 Organizations to Donate to as Roe v. Wade is Overturned (via Shondaland)
Where to Donate to Abortion Funds Right Now (via Rolling Stone)