Beans, Humanity, and Hope: How Northern Feed & Bean Supports the Mission of World

Every year on August 19, the world observes World Humanitarian Day, a global occasion honoring humanitarian workers and the commitment to easing human suffering. It’s a day to spotlight the incredible efforts of those who risk their lives to help others and to reflect on how each of us—businesses included—can support that mission.

At Northern Feed & Bean, we don’t take this day lightly. Our mission to provide high-quality, nutritious beans aligns deeply with the values that World Humanitarian Day promotes: compassion, equity, and the belief that access to food is a human right. Beans aren’t just a staple food—they’re a strategic lifeline for communities in crisis, and we’re proud that our work plays a part in global humanitarian relief.

Why World Humanitarian Day Matters

World Humanitarian Day was established in memory of the 22 aid workers killed in the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad. Since then, it has become a global movement advocating for the safety of aid workers and the needs of those affected by conflict, climate change, displacement, hunger, and poverty.

In 2024 alone:

• Over 360 million people worldwide needed humanitarian assistance.
• Armed conflict and climate-related disasters displaced 117 million people from their homes.
• The global food crisis pushed nearly 735 million people into chronic hunger.

Food is one of the first needs in any crisis. That’s where beans come in.

Beans: The Unsung Hero of Humanitarian Nutrition

Beans—humble, accessible, and shelf-stable—play a critical role in global food aid efforts. Organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP), USDA, UNICEF, and Convoy of Hope rely on beans in their emergency rations for several key reasons:

1. Nutritional Powerhouse
   • High in plant-based protein (about 15g per cooked cup)
   • Rich in dietary fiber, iron, folate, magnesium, and complex carbohydrates
2. Shelf-Stable and Easy to Transport
   • Long shelf life (2–3 years)
   • Lightweight and easy to store
   • Minimal equipment needed for preparation
3. Culturally Versatile
   • Beans are a staple in diets worldwide, increasing acceptance and consistent consumption in humanitarian settings.
4. Affordable and Sustainable
   • Cost-effective source of protein
   • Environmentally friendly due to nitrogen-fixing properties

Northern Feed & Bean’s Role in the Mission

We specialize in producing pinto, black, great northern, and mayocoba beans, supplying both domestic markets and organizations that serve global humanitarian missions. While we’re rooted in local agriculture, our reach extends far beyond Colorado and Nebraska.

How We Support Humanitarian Efforts:

• Partnering with Relief Organizations
  Our beans are regularly included in bulk orders for food pantries, school feeding programs, and export shipments supporting international aid.
• High-Quality Standards
  Our facilities meet the rigorous quality requirements of government agencies and global NGOs.
• Local Community Engagement
  We work with food banks and local organizations to distribute beans to families in need across the U.S.
• Environmental Responsibility
  Sustainable farming practices are central to our operations, helping mitigate climate-related humanitarian challenges.

From Aid to Trade: Building Long-Term Resilience

At Northern Feed & Bean, our vision goes beyond emergency relief. We believe in the transformative power of moving from aid to trade—supporting communities not just with food, but with the tools and partnerships to build sustainable agricultural economies.

Through programs like USDA’s Food for Progress and McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition, we contribute to initiatives that:

• Strengthen local farming systems
• Improve market access for smallholder farmers
• Support school feeding programs that encourage education and long-term development

By participating in these efforts, we help shift the focus from temporary aid to lasting trade relationships—empowering communities to feed themselves, grow their economies, and thrive independently.

Case Study: Pinto Beans in Global Relief

Pinto and black beans are frequently included in USDA-supported shipments for several reasons:

• Over 1,200 calories per pound
• Non-perishable and easy to store
• A 50-pound bag can feed a family of five for over two weeks

Northern Feed & Bean has supplied beans to distributors and packagers involved in these very programs—feeding tens of thousands in emergency situations across Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Standing with Humanitarians, One Bag at a Time

World Humanitarian Day isn’t just about front-line aid workers. It’s also about the supply chains, the farmers, the logistics coordinators, and the everyday businesses who step up when others are in need.

Every bag of beans processed at Northern Feed & Bean represents more than food. It represents stability, resilience, and dignity for someone who may have lost everything.

We may not be the ones handing out meals in a refugee camp—but we are the ones making sure there’s food in the truck when it gets there.

Looking Ahead: The Work Is Not Done

We believe that every person has the right to a full stomach, a safe home, and a future worth looking forward to. On World Humanitarian Day, we recommit to doing our part to make that a reality—through our beans, through our partnerships, and through our values.

As global hunger continues to rise and climate challenges mount, the role of simple, nutritious crops like beans will only grow in importance. And Northern Feed & Bean is ready to meet that need—one harvest at a time.

Join Us in Honoring World Humanitarian Day

As you reflect today, we encourage you to support humanitarian organizations, volunteer locally, and consider how your everyday choices—like what you eat and where you source it—can make a difference.

From all of us at Northern Feed & Bean:
Thank you to the humanitarians. Thank you to our farmers. And thank you to those who believe food can be a force for good.