The global hunger crisis has profound implications for individuals and societies, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions. NewsXPartners Corporation, an international publicity and public relations firm, recently engaged with Eddie Stone, the founder of Touchstone Essentials, to discuss his company’s mission to provide high-quality nutrition and their support for World Central Kitchen. In this article, you’ll learn about Stone‘s inspiring vision, Touchstone Essentials’ commitment to health and sustainability, and their efforts to address global and domestic food insecurity.
NewsXPartners Corporation recently interviewed Eddie Stone, the founder of Touchstone Essentials, about the company’s partnership with World Central Kitchen and their shared commitment to making a positive impact on global hunger. In this exclusive interview, Stone shares insights into how Touchstone Essentials was conceived and highlights the power of collaboration between purpose-driven organizations as well as the far-reaching impact of their combined efforts.
NewsXPartners Corporation Talks to Touchstone Essentials Founder Eddie Stone About Supporting World Central Kitchen and Finding Quality Nutrition Right Here at Home is an original (MedNewsPedia) article.
The Growing Global Hunger Crisis
Despite advancements in farming, food preservation, and storage, the world is grappling with a severe hunger crisis. Statistics from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAQ) are alarming—nearly 828 million people were affected by hunger in 2021, a staggering increase of 46 million from 2020 and 150 million from 2019. This crisis is driven by factors such as conflict, climate change, and economic instability. In 2023, the main drivers were conflict, insecurity, economic shocks, and weather extremes. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened these issues, disrupting food supply chains and pushing more people into poverty. While severe hunger predominantly impacts developing regions, industrialized countries are not immune to the broader public health concern of food insecurity, which, in simple terms, is the lack of access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food. Some may find it surprising that more developed countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States also experience food insecurity.
Food Insecurity in the United States
The USDA defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life and details the specific ranges of food insecurity here. In 2023, approximately 34 million Americans, including 9 million children, lived in food-insecure households.
Several factors contributing to food insecurity in the U.S. include:
- Economic Inequality: Low-income families often struggle to afford nutritious food, relying on cheaper, calorie-dense options that lack essential nutrients. The rising cost of living, including housing, healthcare, and education, further strains household budgets.
- Geographic Disparities: Food deserts, where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food, are prevalent in both urban and rural settings. These areas typically have a higher concentration of fast-food outlets and convenience stores, but they lack supermarkets or farmers’ markets that offer fresh produce.
- Healthcare Costs: Individuals facing food insecurity are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The high cost of healthcare can deplete financial resources, creating a vicious cycle in which health issues exacerbate food insecurity.
- Policy and Assistance Programs: Government programs like SNAP and the NSLP play crucial roles in alleviating food insecurity. However, gaps in these programs, such as eligibility restrictions and inadequate benefit amounts, mean that not all who need assistance receive it.
Touchstone Essentials and World Central Kitchen: A Recipe for Hope in the Face of Global Crises
Touchstone Essentials, founded by Eddie Stone, is a detox and organic supplement company dedicated to providing high-quality nutritional supplements that are ethically sourced and free from harmful additives. The company uses USDA-certified organic ingredients and practices sustainability in sourcing and packaging.
On the other hand, World Central Kitchen (WCK), a non-profit organization founded by chef José Andrés, is not just about providing meals. It’s about using the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies during crises and beyond. WCK’s efforts are not limited to a single region. They span the globe, providing millions of meals to people affected by war, hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly impacting the lives of those in need.
Touchstone Essentials’ support of WCK has been instrumental in amplifying these efforts, ensuring that more people receive the nourishment they need during critical times. Eddie Stone expressed his admiration for World Central Kitchen’s dedication to working tirelessly in the midst of tragedy, a dedication that aligns perfectly with Touchstone Essentials’ mission to touch lives with goodness. In an interview with PR Newswire, he states, “We are honored to team up with this worthy organization to make a difference around the world.” In the past four years alone, Touchstone Essentials has raised an impressive $210,000 in support of World Central Kitchen’s mission to “use the power of food to heal communities and strengthen economies.“
From Construction to Health Transformation: The Accidental Journey of a Supplement Industry Visionary
Eddie Stone’s journey into the supplement industry began unexpectedly years ago. Despite growing up in a family of builders and initially working in construction, a chance introduction to supplements sparked his interest in nutrition and health, completely changing his career. In his mid-20s, while still working in construction, Eddie found himself overweight with elevated cholesterol and blood sugar levels, mainly due to his reliance on convenient but ultra-processed foods. At the same time, he noted his mother’s health struggles and those of some of his friends. That’s when he decided he needed to take charge of his health.
Not wanting to become another statistic destined for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other prevalent health issues, Eddie was inspired to make changes in his own life and explore the potential of supplements. Eventually, he got involved with supplement sales and immersed himself in the industry, learning about different products and their ingredients. As Eddie’s knowledge grew, so did his skepticism about the products. He found that many supplements, regardless of price, failed to live up to their perceived promises, often lacking the wholesome ingredients featured on their labels.
Inspired to create a superior alternative, Eddie spent years researching whole-food supplementation. He believed that supplements made from organic whole foods like broccoli, kale, berries, and other fruits and vegetables could offer better nutrition and health benefits while aligning with his values around sustainability.
After three decades in the industry, Eddie founded Touchstone Essentials to bring his vision to life. The company is dedicated to creating a wide selection of health supplements made from USDA-certified organic whole foods, focusing on sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging. Touchstone Essentials provides a comprehensive selection of products to help achieve optimal health, from detox and cleansing products to superfood blends packed with essential vitamins and minerals. By offering transparent, thoughtfully crafted products, Eddie aims to empower consumers to take control of their health by giving them a clearer understanding of what they’re putting into their bodies. Touchstone Essentials’ commitment to health and sustainability goes beyond the products it sells by educating consumers about the importance of good nutrition and healthy habits. Eddie says, “We want our customers to be informed and empowered to make the best choices for their health.” He also emphasizes that supplements are an assist, not a cure-all: “We believe in using our products to supplement one’s diet and health habits, not replace them. Our mission is to offer supplements that bridge the gap between where someone’s daily nutrition stands and where it should be.”
Touchstone Essentials: A Holistic Approach to Nourishing People and the Planet
The global hunger crisis and food insecurity in the United States are complex issues that require multifaceted solutions. Touchstone Essentials is making significant strides in addressing these challenges through its commitment to high-quality, ethically sourced nutritional supplements. By supporting World Central Kitchen, Touchstone Essentials extends its impact beyond individual health, contributing to global efforts to alleviate hunger and build stronger communities.
Aligned with this spirit of impactful philanthropy, NewsXPartners Corporation has a longstanding history of supporting worthy causes, consistently championing numerous social and humanitarian initiatives. NewsXPartners actively seeks out companies that strive to make lasting contributions beyond commerce and is thus pleased to support this endeavor with the aim of helping to make a positive impact on broader societal issues.
Eddie Stone’s vision for Touchstone Essentials goes beyond simply selling supplements; it encompasses a broader mission to educate, empower, and support individuals in leading healthier lives, contributing to alleviating world hunger and caring for the planet. Through thoughtful product development, sustainable practices, and meaningful partnerships, Touchstone Essentials demonstrates that it is possible to do well by doing good.
For more information about Touchstone Essentials and their mission, visit Touchstone EssentialsTo learn more about World Central Kitchen and how you can support their efforts, visit World Central Kitchen.
For further reading:
World Food Program – Global Report on Food Crises 2023 Mid-Year Update
Feeding America.Org – What is Food Insecurity?
European Commission – Global food crisis: what you need to know in 2023 –
World Vision Canada – The basics of food security (and how it’s tied to everything)
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
