Summer Festival Season is HERE

 

Festival Season is Here!

Events that support our mission:

“To make the world a more sustainable and equitable planet for all living things through plant based food”.

 

Health Bear LOVES summer! This is our time to get in front of people who are on the hunt for plant based, convenient, sugar free, high protein and delicious breakfast/ snack foods.  It is awesome to have the chance to introduce people to Protein Oatmeal in their hometowns where grocery stores nearby stock us year round.

Over the next couple of months, we plan on hitting the road and showing up at festival events all throughout the state of California. You will find us sharing our amazing plant based convenience foods at the following locations:

June 3, June 4th: Sacramento Vegan Food Festival

June 18th: Juneteenth in Berkeley

September 3, September 4: Bizerkeley Food Festival

September 9, September 10th: Mountain View Art and Wine Festival

It has been easy for us to find events in California’s Bay Area but want to stretch our arms across the whole state. If you know of an annual event in your area where you can picture Health Bear presenting and selling Protein Oatmeal, fill out the form below and we will look into joining you!! Meanwhile, keep an eye on our Instagram for festival additions and updates.

 

 

 

25 Female African Farmers to Receive Life-Changing Funding

 

$2,500 Raised to Offer Equitable & Sustainable Change

 

Health Bear Food Company has a mission. “To make the world a more sustainable and equitable planet for all living things through plant-based food”. With the help of our philanthropic advisor Johanna Mahal, Health Bear was able to facilitate a fundraising event in May 2023 that amassed in $2,500 in donations to be gifted to Opportunity International’s Agricultural Finance Fund. This gift will give 25 women and their families financial services and savings, farming support and access to fair market prices in Africa.

Stefanie Beasley, Chris Laughlin, Lisa Matar, Johanna Mahal
Panel Discussion ‘Local, National & International Women in Food’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How did we do it?! A suggested donation of $50 from each attendee was collected. The first $1,000 was matched by corporate sponsor Synopsys. At the end, $2,500 will be given to the Agricultural Finance Fund!

 

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, it is awe inspiring to think of the gifts we were able to give to mothers other side of the globe. Hard-working farmers will be given the chance to take their families out of extraordinary poverty into a life of prosperity and hope.

Our mission at Health Bear is coming to fruition and for that, we say THANK YOU to all who contributed during our event. If you would like to join us in contributing to Opportunity International’s Agricultural Finance Fund, follow the link below and give on our website at checkout.

Overnight Protein Oats: Health Bear
Lavender Scones: Sea to Sky
Tea Sandwiches: Sea to Sky
Tea Sandwiches: Sea to Sky

https://healthbearfood.com/donations/

ReUse Pollution Into Art

Turning Pollution into Art


Part of Health Bear’s mission is to bring awareness around environmentally conscious work. We have found the ultimate “RE-USE” effort to share with you this Earth Day. Health Bear applauds Ocean Sole, a non profit organization employing Kenyan artists who gather discarded flip-flops and plastic off African beaches to create cool, contemporary animal sculptures. These artisans are re-using in a way that combines both clean up and repurposing in a most creative and spectacular way.

Discarded flip flops are turned into expressive animal sculptures by a force of over 900 staff and artists living along the African coastline. It is incredible to realize this phenomenal practice is cleaning up plastic debris, bringing awareness around ocean pollution, preserving the seas and employing creatives in Kenya. The nonprofit is removing over 2,000 tons of flip flops a week out of the Oceans!

Are you shopping for a meaningful gift for an animal lover, environmentalist or art collector? Support this incredible effort by shopping at Ocean Sole.

 

Recycle For Earth Day

As we celebrate Earth Day, Health Bear Food Co. wants to remind you of the ways we can each make a difference by taking a moment to recycle and teaching others in our lives to do the same. Health Bear’s mission is to make the world a more sustainable and equitable planet for all living things through plant based food. That is why we have brought on Mike Acker, Sustainability Advisor to Health Bear to help the company make good, earth friendly choices.

 

Here are 4 household recycling tips from our Sustainability Coordinator, Mike Acker to help you make a positive impact on our planet, and have some fun at the same time!

1 . Know your city’s recycling rules!

Take a minute to post the guide from your city’s recycling service so that your family knows what can and cannot be recycled. Many, like San Diego, allow for materials (glass, metal, rigid plastic, paper & cardboard) to be mixed while others require some sorting.  It’s important to avoid recycling items such as plastic bags, plastic straws, styrofoam, and food-contaminated items, as they can contaminate the recycling stream and hinder the recycling process.

 

2. Set Up a Home Recycling Station.

Creating a designated recycling station at home can make recycling more fun and convenient. If your city does not allow mixed recycling, set up bins or containers labeled for different types of recyclables, such as paper & cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal, in a central location in your home. Educate your family members about the importance of recycling and the items that can be recycled, and make it a habit to properly sort and dispose of recyclables in the designated bins.

 

3. Practice Proper Recycling Preparation:

Paper products must be free of food waste, pet waste, oil or excessive dirt. If your pizza box is greasy inside, for example, you can still recycle the top of the box. Rinse out containers to remove any food residue, and remove caps and lids, as they are often made from different materials that may not be recyclable. Flatten cardboard boxes to save space If you bag up your recycling, don’t make the mistake of using a non-recyclable plastic bag that will clog the sorting machine!

4. Reduce, Reuse, and Repurpose:


Recycling is just one part of reducing waste. Before tossing items into the recycling bin, consider if they can be reused or repurposed. For example, your Health Bear cups can be used to plant and grow an herb garden, your glass jars can be used for storage, your old t-shirts can be turned into rags.

 

Reduce for Earth Day

Reduce for Earth Day

Health Bear embraces Earth Day with a wide-open bear hug. Our mission is To make the world a more sustainable and equitable planet for all living things through plant based food. SO… Earth Day is a big day for us. Health Bear is made of 100% plant ingredients- which is easy for your body and the planet to digest.

You know the slogan: Reduce Reuse and Recycle.  As a consumer, overwhelmed thinking of going as package-free as possible until I talked to Meredith, a Low Waste Specialist and owner of Ethos in Santa Cruz, CA and Downtown Los Gatos, CA.

I felt overwhelmed when I began to think of going as ‘low waste’ as possible… so I asked Meredith,  “When the journey of going low waste begins, many  feel overwhelmed. What is your advice for getting started living a low waste lifestyle?”

Meredith replies, “Start small.  It’s easy to start viewing your household through a low-waste lens and begin to see just how much may needs to be changed. In order to make these sustainable changes, you have to take it one small step at a time. You may also find that there is some trial and error involved in finding what works for you or your family. That’s ok. Go easy on yourself and know that even if you make small changes that these add up to create a big impact”.

 

Out of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, our new favorite is REDUCE thanks to small business operations like Ethos who can help us take one small step at a time to reduce waste and add new earth-friendly habits into daily life.  For me, I started simply with a no waste toothpaste and compostable, refillable dental floss. Second step was buying my laundry detergent from Ethos. I have the zero waste detergent in a coffee mug in my laundry room!

This Earth Day, head to Ethos if you are in the South Bay Area or find a low-waste store near you. Not many options?  Visit https://www.ethossantacruz.com

Meet Meredith: Owner of Ethos Santa Cruz & Los Gatos.

Experts Agree- Health Bear Protein Oatmeal Packed with Nutrition



Experts Agree- Health Bear Protein Oatmeal Packed with Nutrition


 


I get the question a lot, “Don’t you need to eat meat, dairy and eggs to get enough nutrition in your diet?” If you are ‘junk food vegan”, the answer could easily be ‘yes’. However if you are doing a plant based diet property, you are going to not only get enough nutrition, you will thrive! I created Health Bear Protein Oatmeal to help plant based eaters find a nutritionally sound breakfast that was fast and simple to prepare. We have found both plant eaters and omnivores alike love a healthy oatmeal. Each up of Protein Oatmeal contains the superfood ingredients below. We located expert comment on each ingredient to remind you just how healthy Health Bear is.


“A bowl of oatmeal a day keeps the doctor away” – Health Bear


Pea Protein according to Laura Vetter, R.D.N., C.D.C.E.S.


Organic Pea Protein


“On average, two tablespoons of high-quality pea [protein] powder can contain between 15-20 g of protein,” explains Laura Vetter, R.D.N., C.D.C.E.S., an outpatient dietitian at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J. “For healthy individuals, the general rule for protein is 0.8 grams per kg or 0.35 g per pound [of body weight].” And, pea protein is full of important amino acids that are easily digestible, Vetter notes.


 


 


Chia Seeds according to Dr Axe 


Organic Chia Seeds


Ounce for ounce, chia contains the most grams of fiber and is especially rich in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce appetite and promote digestive regularity.


 










Hemp according to Dr Axe 


Organic Hemp Hearts


Compared to chia and flax, hemp seeds pack in the highest amount of plant-based protein per serving. They’re also rich in magnesium, zinc and iron.


The experts at WebMD explain, The vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in hemp seeds can provide some significant health benefits. For example, hemp oil is rich in vitamin E, which is useful for helping keep your immune system functioning. It also acts as an antioxidant, helping reduce free radicals that can cause cell damage in your body.


 




Flax according to Mayo Clinic and Jared Meacham


Organic Flax (Health Bear uses Ground Flax)


Flaxseed’s health benefits come from the fact that it’s high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as phytochemicals called lignans.


One serving of flaxseed provides a good amount of protein, fiber, and omega 3 fatty acids. It may help lower the risk of some cancers, help maintain a health weight, and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.


 


Oats According to National Library of Medicine


Certified GF and Organic Oats


Many studies have shown that the beta-glucan fiber in oats is effective at reducing both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Whole oats are high in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. Most notable is a unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides, which are almost solely found in oats.


 


 


 


 


 










	






	






	






	

	

				
		
		
	






Trendy Grocery
Health Bear is finding its way onto grocery store shelves in California. Because we study the grocery industry so closely, here are some cool grocery store trends you should know about.




                            Dining IN?


2023 is predicted to be a year where Americans are spending more money in the grocery stores than at restaurants.  Combatting record increases in food prices with more in-home dining …sounds like a welcomed idea… if you enjoy cooking and find yourself in pleasant company! Grocery store buyers are searching for emerging and exciting brands to stock on their shelves for your at-home enjoyment. Keep a watchful eye at your favorite grocery store for new additions.


Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash


Convenience is King


Another expected trend to continue to grow in 2023 is the continued growth of ‘convenience foods’. Health Bear Fits the category to a T. It was not longer than a decade or two ago we equated  ‘convenience food’ with funky frozen TV dinners and questionable canned meats.  Gone are the days people are making sauces from scratch when we have authentic Italian Marinara ready with the twist of a lid. Thank you grocery executives for bringing us awesome, healthy conveniences!


              Modernizing Savings


The third grocery trend to watch for is the return to coupon. If you are interested in cutting grocery costs, don’t forget this time-tested technique. We all remember our Grandmothers cutting coupons out of the newspaper on the kitchen table growing up, right?! Now-A-Days, check out your grocery store’s website to find coupons before you head out.


Photo by Dillon Wanner on Unsplash


No scissors required – download and save. For Health Bear friends living in the Bay Area: Check out https://www.lunardis.com/ to find great deals AND you will find Health Bear on the shelf!


 


 


 


 


 


 


Fun Fact: According to Credit Donkey, 57% of female shoppers collect coupons compared to 41% of men. Come on guys! Get to saving with your gal pals!




      
What is the Reginivore Diet?


The Reginivore Diet


 Leveraging Sustainability to Improve Your Health


 




With the new year just around the corner, it’s a great time to reflect on how to improve our life’s experience here on the planet. Many of us are asking, “How can I live a healthier lifestyle”?  In years past, our response has been to carry on with a new exercise routine or perhaps take up a new healthy hobby. This is good, well done… but there is more.


A trending diet aimed at simultaneously addressing the health of the planet and our bodies has emerged.  The Regenivore Diet  is a way of eating to support the health of the planet and our bodies. Following these tips will have your body feeling amazing and you will rejoice knowing your eating style is making a difference.


 


Follow these 3 easy tips to give the Regenivore Diet a go.


    

  1. EAT FOODS THAT REGERATE THE SOIL. Up your consumption of organic fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Reduce your consumption of animal protein including dairy and eggs. Why? First, consider all of the acres being used to farm animals. The waste from those facilities are polluting and  damaging the soil for miles around. Secondly, consider how many more acres of forests are being plowed down to grow crops to feed the animals. These are not organic gardens- they are large scale, biologically engineered grain production sites pumped with synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and fungicides that further exploit the soil.  So ditch the meat for plant  and rejoice in the fact you are contributing to the climate change solution. Your figure and your health will also rejoice!
    2. 



100 grams of beef protein can result in the release of the equivalent of 105 kilograms of CO2. The same amount of protein from a well-managed field of peas, by contrast, typically releases the equivalent of only about 0.2 kg of CO2.


 


 


2. BUY FROM LOCAL FARMERS WHO PRACTICE REGENERATIIVE AGRICULTURE . Next time you are visiting with growers at your local farmers market, ask the about their regenerative practices. Organic farms will, by definition, be adding nutrients to the soil by means of their organic farming techniques. Learning about their holistic practices will inspire you to continue subscribing to the concept of The Regenerative Diet. Meanwhile, you will be taking home produce with higher nutritional contents than conventionally grown produce.


3. MIND FOOD WASTE & COMPOST. Buying but not consuming food wastes electricity and water and supports the need for more transportation- all of which contributes to CO2 emissions.  Be mindful to not over-buy at the store. If you do stumble upon a bag of produce past its peak lingering in your frog, there is a solution. Start composting with your kitchen scraps and encourage your friends and local restaurants to do the same. Many people are afraid to start, but give it a try. It is easier and much less stinky than you fear!


Food scraps and tossed veggies create methane gas in a landfill- a potent and toxic gas that adds to greenhouse gas emission.




Transforming eating habits, improving food production and reducing food waste are three ways to begin your Regnerative Diet practice! The outcome will be  a mostly plant based diet and a renewed thoughtfulness surrounding global sustainability.  You will be feeling and looking gorgeous in the new year!




Health Bear Protein Oatmeal perfect for the Reginivore Diet


For more please read this fabulous article:


https://eatforum.org/learn-and-discover/can-healthy-food-save-the-planet-animation/




         
Ending Extreme Poverty for Female Farmers of Africa
Health Bear is partnering Opportunity International, a Chicago based, global non-profit whose mission is to design, deliver, and scale innovative financial solutions to help families living in extreme poverty. Johanna Mahal, director of Philanthropy at the non profit organization will take our consolidated gifts to given to agricultural finance initiatives. Managed through Opportunity International, the money provided to farmers in the Sub-Saharan African region will enhance their efforts to grow more sustainable and profitable crop and increase production. Our collected support will break the cycle of extreme poverty for generations.




Be a part of the change and give when you checkout at www.healthbearfood.com.


“Health Bear and Opportunity International are coordinating with female farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa to enhance their farming practices, improve their harvests, feed their families, send their children to school and break the cycle of poverty” states Johanna Mahal, resident of Menlo Park, CA and Director of Philanthropy at Opportunity International.




“I started Health Bear Protein Oatmeal with the intention of bringing healthy food to busy people looking to find a quick, healthy solution for breakfast” says founder Lisa Matar. “With grab-and-go food at our fingertips, we can start our days off right but easily forget there are millions of people in the world that have a hard time getting the food they need to thrive”. This is precisely the reason Health Bear Food Company has partnered with Opportunity.




Matar states, “In all reality, I have something in common with these female farmers. We are all business women working diligently every day to move our businesses in the right direction to have something to inherit to our children. There is nothing more powerful than women supporting women. It is my joy and pleasure to help them grow their businesses.


Visit www.healthbearfood.com and give to Opportunity International at checkout


Health Bear Food Company’s Mission: “To make the world a more sustainable and equitable planet for all living things through plant based food”

Founded by Lisa Matar and established 2019

Media Contact: Lisa Matar – lisa@healthbearfood.com – 619-742-0315


        
#1 Way to Transform Post-COVID Era for the Better






















Support Woman Owned Businesses


#1 Action you can Take to Transform the Post-COVID Era for the Better


















































The impact of the pandemic, shortages and current economic turmoil has 
further widened the disparity between women-owned businesses, particularly 
those owned by women of color, and other businesses. Closing the revenue 
and employment gap by supporting and revitalizing women-owned businesses 
will not only help to fuel economic growth and recovery, but also will empower 
women as leaders and bring about a more diverse, balanced and sustainable 
economy.


Like a Boss



We also know that families and communities continue to suffer from the 
economic and societal effects of the last few years and may not have extra 
consumer dollars to spend. That’s why we are calling on consumers to 
take everyday essentials they use and consciously choose to instead 
source it from a women-owned business – put simply #MakeOneSwitch. 
This year, we ask you to take the #MakeOneSwitch movement one step 
further. 


This holiday season, try to help your friends, family and coworkers 
discover a new favorite Women Owned brand by gifting an essential that 
will help them make the switch to sourcing more of their everyday needs 
from Women Owned businesses. Practical gifting (always a winner in our 
book) meets supporting women entrepreneurs – what is not to love?


Protein Oatmeal Cups are a perfect example. Show your family and loved ones you care about their health and nutrition by turning them on to a convenient plant based protein breakfast they can enjoy well into the new year.  Health Bear is owned by a female entrepreneur based in California.


Find Health Bear at Healthbearfood.com or Amazon.com


Health Bear Food Company is a member of Women’s Business Enterprise 
National Council (WBENC).