News

Sweetgreen raising awareness of LGBTQ+ homeless in honor of PRIDE

May 28, 2019

During the month of June, LGBTQ+ PRIDE events across the nation and around the world will highlight the importance of being an inclusive society as they remember theStonewall Riots, a series of demonstrations by members of the LGBT community against a police raid on June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.

In that spirit, Los Angeles-based Sweetgreen is partnering with Covenant House to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ homeless youth, who represent 40% of all youth experiencing homelessness in the country.

"At Sweetgreen, we believe in celebrating the uniqueness of each and every person, encouraging all of our team members to be the best version of themselves and living the 'sweetlife,'" the founders wrote in an open letter to customers. 

The chain will donate $1 from each bowl (up to $25,000) purchased on June 2 to support programming for LGBTQ+ youth at Covenant House, which offers a safe space for LGBTQ+. The group said 25% of those in its care identify as LGBTQ+.

In addition, Sweetgreen has designed PRIDE T-shirts for every member of its team, and a limited number will be available for purchase with 100% of proceeds going to Covenant House.

"Our mission is to inspire healthier communities, and communities are healthier and stronger when all individuals are accepted, welcomed and supported," the letter said.