Burlington, Vt.-based Ben & Jerry's says it added a new limited-batch flavor — Change is Brewing. The flavor is a combination of cold-brew coffee ice cream, marshmallow swirls and fudge brownies; it was created to help transform the nation's approach to public safety to one that prioritizes community needs. Change is Brewing is part of Ben & Jerry's ongoing work to advance racial justice, calling for the nation to divest from a broken criminal legal system and invest in services that help communities thrive, including mental health treatment, counseling, substance use treatment and health care.
Ben & Jerry's says it is joining more than 70 other organizations in supporting The People's Response Act, landmark legislation introduced by Congresswoman Cori Bush. The legislation was written to transform a system that disproportionately criminalizes Black and Brown people into a system that provides resources to help every community, especially communities of color, thrive.
"We appreciate Congresswoman Cori Bush for having the courage and vision to introduce the People's Response Act, legislation that would boldly transform public safety in America," says Jabari Paul, U.S. activism manager for Ben & Jerry's. "We've come to understand that public safety is also a matter of public health. Congresswoman Bush's legislation begins to make that important link by creating a public safety division within the Department of Health and Human Services."
According to Ben & Jerry’s, the deep, rich coffee flavor in Change is Brewing is from BLK & Bold: the first Black-owned nationally distributed coffee company that gives 5% of its profits to initiatives that support youth in need. Greyston Bakery, a values-led supplier and longtime Ben & Jerry's partner, provides the scrumptious fudge brownies. The bakery has an "open hiring" policy that provides opportunities for people facing barriers to employment. Black multidisciplinary artist Laci Jordan created the visuals on the pint’s packaging, which is a colorful picture of what the world might look like when Black people feel safe and all communities can thrive.
Change is Brewing will be available as a limited-batch flavor at participating Ben & Jerry's scoop shops and on store shelves for a suggested price of $4.49-$5.69. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Change is Brewing will go to grassroots groups working to transform public safety in America, Ben & Jerry’s says.