53
december2014yogajournal.comeat
WELL
EXACTOSTOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK
credible
BUSINESS
A new crowdfunded program called Credibles lets you
invest in small, sustainable startup restaurants and artisanal
food businesses simply by prepaying for edible “credits” that you
use later like gift cards. The concept is similar to community-supported
agriculture, except it’s much more flexible: You buy credits with the Credibles
app, then redeem them for foods or dishes whenever you want, from any
participating business. “Credibles is not just a tool to raise capital for us, but also
an economic model that empowers our regional foodsheds in general,” says Kathryn
Lukas, owner of Farmhouse Culture in Santa Cruz, California, a Credibles partner that sells
organic kraut and kimchi. At press time, partners were in 37 cities and towns nationwide
offering fresh breads, craft beer, coffee, sustainable seafood, and much more. Learn more
about the program at credibles.org. LAUREN ARCURI