Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2022

May 1st is the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month 2022. At Good Food Brands we’re celebrating by supporting amazing Asian American small business owners. What are ways that you can educate and celebrate AAPI Heritage Month? We put together some great suggestions curated by founders in our Asian-American community.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the diversity of Asian cultures. The AAPI community is made up of many different cultures, languages, and religions. “22 million Asian Americans trace their roots to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, each with unique histories, cultures, languages and other characteristics.” Pew Research Center

Attend Local Events
As a 100% AAPI owned and operated business, we encourage others to attend local AAPI community events celebrating our heritage that are happening throughout the month of May. One that we wanted to highlight is the Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) will have a We Are Bruce Lee: Under the Sky, One Family exhibit. Asia Society also has 31 days of how to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month.

Pauline and Olivia also enjoy podcasts like How I Built This that feature stories of AAPI founders like Vincent and Andrew Kitirattragarn of Dang Foods, Suhki Singh of Suhki's Gourmet and Vicky Tsai of Tatcha.
- Olivia, Co-Founder of Twrl M!lk Tea

Learn about Asian-American Holidays 
Vincent, Dang's Founder, is owning Dang’s distinct heritage and completed a rebrand a couple years ago that highlighted the Brand’s unique story and Thai heritage. He is using this as an opportunity to talk to different retailer partners about ways to celebrate more diverse holidays like Lunar New Year and share the Asian American story. As an Asian-American and CEO of an Asian-American snack company, Vincent believes it is his responsibility to honor and celebrate his heritage and speak out against racial discrimination. Through LinkedIn, Instagram and various news publications it is common to see him calling out for more support, allies, and understanding across racial boundaries.
- Vincent, Co-Founder of Dang Foods

Explore Your Local Asian Grocery Store
Absolutely, supporting AAPI founders by purchasing their products and services is always appreciated. However, the most fun way would be to take a stroll down the aisles of your local Asian grocery store. You'll almost certainly walk away with a new appreciation for these cultures and cuisines.
- Mat, Founder of Mighty Gum

Support Local Asian-Owned Businesses 
Raising awareness and spending money where it counts is such a vital component of supporting the AAPI community. A couple of ways are to purchase from local cultural markets and grocery stores that are family-owned. Another opportunity is to enjoy a meal at a restaurant or cooking cuisine inspired by the AAPI.
- Dominique, Founder of Root Elixirs

Follow Companies on Social Media 
There are some incredible Asian founders in the CPG community and what I have really enjoyed is learning more about their origin stories. Going on the brand's social accounts and viewing their TikToks and IG Reels have been a great way to hear from founders and makers directly about what they started their brand and about their own connections to their heritage
- Sashee, Founder of Tea Drops

Learn Asian American and Pacific Islander History
To celebrate AAPI month, I would suggest learning and sharing the history and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, try all types of delicious asian cuisines, watch asian influenced movies and shows, and support asian owned businesses
- Brian, Founder of The Only Bean



Is your company doing anything to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month? Send one of our curated boxes as employee or client gifts.