Indianapolis Beverage Company, Circle Kombucha Steps Up in Times Of Need

Beyond the Plate Local Food Hero Nominee: It was early in the evening of March 11, 2020 when news began pouring in that the Big Ten tournament was to proceed without an audience. The Big Ten is a substaintial event  in Indianapolis, not only does the city host part of the tournament  but the city brings  in huge business for local independent businesses like Circle Kombucha. Circle Kombucha uses events like these to promote their kombucha to people who flood the city. They dedicate staff and many resources including an uptick for production to keep up with the demand. Once the announcement was made to cancel everything the staff of Circle Kombucha immediately had to shift their plans to figure out how to keep employees working and paid and what to do with their kombucha product.

Circle Kombucha since founded in  2015 has had a mission to help people find balance and feel good, one drink at a time.  They began   working on every possible way we could to support our partners and our community in a balanced approach to be a healthy and positive voice in the community. They didn’t waver on their mission when the stay-at-home order was given. Within days of the order, they set up a list on their website to showed ways to support their partners in the Indianapolis community and beyond. This included information about curbside pickup, delivery options, or buying gift cards and merchandise. They  created a free downloadable packed with coloring pages, a crossword puzzle, and conference call bingo.

In addition, they quickly set up a way for the Indianapolis community to purchase discounted cans, 4-packs, and cases. They promoted  pre order options to pick up at the Indianapolis facility on Saturday mornings from 9am-12pm with local farmers markets preorder and fulfillment as well. (Cue local hero chimes) When they began the preorders they decided to create the Healthcare Workers’ Donation Program. For every three cases sold starting March 18 Circle Kombucha donates a case to those in the healthcare community. By donating to these community healthcare heroes, Circle Kombucha becomes a local food hero nominee.  As of the beginning of May they have donated almost 2000 cans to  Indiana University Health Trauma, Indiana University Health Methodist, Eskenazi Hospital, Riley’s Childrens Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital, St. Francis South, Community East, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. They are not slowing down during this time and continue to make plans to begin donations in Chicago and other cities across  the United States. This is why they have been nominated as a local food hero.

Read more Beyond the Plate local food hero stories. Learn more about our partners, Niman Ranch at nimanranch.com.