Non-Discrimination Statement

1. Our Commitment to Equal Access

Seed & Spoon NJ does not discriminate on the basis of:

• Race or color
• National origin or ethnicity
• Religion or creed
• Sex, gender identity, or gender expression
• Sexual orientation
• Age
• Disability or medical condition
• Marital or family status
• Military or veteran status
• Citizenship or immigration status
• Housing status or homelessness
• Economic or employment status
• Political affiliation or beliefs

This policy applies to all aspects of our operations, including:

• Eligibility for food assistance and services
• Volunteer recruitment, acceptance, and opportunities
• Employment and hiring practices
• Partnerships and collaborations
• Participation in programs, workshops, and events

2. Applicable Laws and Standards

Our non-discrimination policy aligns with federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to:

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972: Prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Prohibits discrimination based on disability
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Ensures equal access and reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities
• Age Discrimination Act of 1975: Prohibits age-based discrimination
• New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Comprehensive state civil rights law protecting against discrimination

We are committed to upholding these laws and providing equal opportunity to all who seek our services or wish to support our mission.

3. Inclusive Service Delivery

We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone:

• Cultural sensitivity: We respect diverse backgrounds, traditions, and dietary preferences, and make efforts to provide culturally appropriate food options when possible
• Language access: We work to communicate effectively with non-English speakers and provide translation or interpretation when needed
• Accessibility: Our services and facilities are designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request
• Privacy and confidentiality: We protect the privacy of all clients and do not share personal information without consent
• Dignity and respect: We serve all individuals with compassion, without judgment, and in a manner that honors their dignity

4. Reasonable Accommodations

Seed & Spoon NJ is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to our programs and services. Accommodations may include:

• Physical accessibility modifications (ramps, accessible parking, etc.)
• Alternative formats for written materials (large print, audio, etc.)
• Assistance with forms or applications
• Sign language interpretation or communication assistance
• Flexible service delivery methods (home delivery, curbside pickup, etc.)

If you require an accommodation to access our services, please contact us at seedandspoonnj@gmail.com. We will work with you to find a solution that meets your needs.

5. Reporting Discrimination

If you believe you have experienced discrimination in accessing Seed & Spoon NJ's services, programs, or opportunities, we encourage you to report it. You may:

• Contact us directly: Email seedandspoonnj@gmail.com or speak with a staff member or volunteer coordinator
• Submit a written complaint: Describe the incident, including date, location, individuals involved, and any witnesses
• Request anonymity: If you prefer, you may submit a report anonymously, though this may limit our ability to investigate fully

All complaints will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. We are committed to addressing concerns and taking appropriate corrective action when necessary.

6. No Retaliation

Seed & Spoon NJ strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who:

• Reports discrimination or harassment
• Participates in an investigation or complaint process
• Requests accommodations or asserts their rights
• Advocates for equal treatment and access

Anyone who retaliates against an individual for exercising their rights will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including removal from volunteer or employment positions.

7. Training and Education

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and respect through:

• Training for staff and volunteers on non-discrimination policies, cultural competency, and inclusive service delivery
• Ongoing education about bias, equity, and social justice
• Community partnerships to better understand and serve diverse populations
• Regular review and improvement of our practices to ensure equity and access

8. Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement

We recognize that creating an equitable, inclusive organization is an ongoing process. We are committed to:

• Listening to feedback from clients, volunteers, partners, and the community
• Evaluating our programs and practices to identify and address barriers to access
• Seeking input from diverse voices to inform our work
• Holding ourselves accountable for living up to our values

If you have suggestions for how we can improve our services or better serve our community, we welcome your input.

9. External Complaint Procedures

In addition to reporting discrimination to Seed & Spoon NJ directly, individuals may file complaints with external agencies, including:

• New Jersey Division on Civil Rights: Enforces the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): For discrimination in food assistance programs
• U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): For civil rights violations
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): For employment-related discrimination

Filing an external complaint does not prevent you from also reporting the issue to us directly.

10. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to request accommodations, please contact us:

Seed & Spoon NJ
Email: seedandspoonnj@gmail.com

We are here to serve everyone in our community with dignity and respect. Thank you for helping us build a more just and equitable food system.