Life

Jeni's Ice Cream Just Launched A Delicious New Collab To Support Women Running For Office

by Eliza Castile

Eating ice cream for breakfast is obviously good for the soul, but this year, it's also good for women in politics. In honor of Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, an actual holiday that I am proud to say I'm not making up, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is partnering with She Should Run, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to helping women run for office. On Saturday, Feb. 3, Jeni's will donate half of its sales before noon to the nonprofit, so 50 percent of the money you spend on a morning scoop will go toward supporting women running for political office. Oh, and afterward, you walk away with delicious ice cream. It's not often that opportunities like this come along.

It's no secret that women are noticeably underrepresented in American politics. According to NPR, women comprised about 19 percent of congressional lawmakers and less than 25 percent of state legislators in 2016. Currently, the Inter-Parliamentary Union ranks the United States 99th in the world for gender equity in politics, behind Bolivia, China, and Somalia. Politico has reported that while women are statistically as likely to win elections as men, they are far less likely to run for office. Out of all the state governors in the United States right now, only six are women.

That's where She Should Run comes in. Founded in 2011, the organization aims to provide a nonpartisan, "approachable starting place and network for women leaders considering a future run for office and for those who support them." Its splashiest goal at the moment is #250Kby2030, a campaign to get 250,000 women to run for elected office by 2030.

If you think that's an admirable goal, you're not the only one. On Wednesday, beloved ice cream company Jeni's announced its partnership with She Should Run. In a blog post, Jeni's explained why it chose to join forces with a nonprofit for women in politics.

"We’re supporting She Should Run this year because we believe the work they do is bigger than politics. As more women are elected into office they become role models to young girls and women. They show what’s doable by example. Meaning the next generation of women can actually envision the possibilities of leadership, not just dream about it. Which is a pretty amazing thing."

This isn't the first time Jeni's has donated some of its proceeds on Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. (Again, this is an actual holiday on the first Saturday of February each year. What a time to be alive!) Last year, all the company's shops opened early, and 100 percent of each sale from 9 a.m. to noon went to local nonprofits. In 2018, they're focusing solely on She Should Run.

If you want to join in on the action, there are a few ways to participate. For those that enjoy the ~experience of going to an ice cream parlor, you can head to a Jeni's scoop shop between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Feb. 3. (There's a list of locations on the Jeni's website.) If you're not lucky enough to live near one of their retail locations, you can order from the Ice Cream for Breakfast collection, which includes flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Coffee with Cream and Sugar.

The collections come in roundups of six or nine pints for the not-so-low price of $68 and $98 per order, respectively. Both groups are available now through Feb. 3, so you can enjoy ice cream for breakfast for days before the actual holiday.

If the price tag makes you wince, remember that half the order will be used to support women in politics. Think of it as investing in the future of the United States — then sit back and celebrate with a pint (of ice cream).