The genesis of Lever Foundation in 2017 was a response to a pressing global issue: the unsustainable and often cruel practices within the modern food supply chain. What began as a focused initiative has since blossomed into a global non-profit organization with a dedicated team making significant strides across Asia and beyond. The foundation's journey is rooted in the powerful yet simple idea encapsulated by the ancient mathematician Archimedes: 'Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it and I shall move the world.' For Lever Foundation, this lever is the strategic and targeted action aimed at transforming how the world produces and consumes food, with the fulcrum being the critical regions in Asia where the impact of this change can be most profound.
From its operational base, though registered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the foundation has extended its reach, establishing a team of around thirty individuals stationed in key Asian territories including Greater China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore, complemented by colleagues in Europe and the United States. This international presence is a testament to their global mindset, doing work where it is most needed and hiring staff where it is most cost-effective. The narrative of Lever Foundation is one of pragmatic idealism. They operate with the strategic mindset of a business, meticulously tracking metrics and focusing on programs that deliver the greatest positive change per dollar spent. Their work is a testament to the belief that a more humane and sustainable food system is not just a lofty goal, but an achievable reality. Through persistent engagement with food companies, supporting innovative startups in the alternative protein sector, and educating consumers, Lever Foundation continues to write its story of impactful change, one policy, one meal, and one life at a time.