While many college students are focused on their studies, Shira Voss was already envisioning a world where organic baby food could make a difference. During her time at Columbia University, she was inspired by a friend’s complaints about the quality of store-bought baby food. “I thought, ‘I wouldn’t eat that,’” Voss recalls, which motivated her to create healthier options while also making a social impact.
In 2006, just two years after finishing her degree, Happy Family hit the shelves of Gourmet Garage, a specialty food market in New York City. From the start, the brand was committed to making a positive impact on children’s lives globally. Now, as Happy Family approaches its tenth anniversary this Mother’s Day, Voss emphasizes their ongoing dedication to social responsibility through partnerships with organizations like March of Dimes and Autism Speaks. Becoming a mother herself has only strengthened her resolve. “I’ve always viewed my customers as my babies, but having a son made it even more real,” Voss explains.
Happy Family is known for its innovative products, being the first to offer organic puffs and the introduction of probiotics in stage one foods. Recently, they also became the first brand to use fully transparent pouch packaging. Voss is driven by her concern for children’s health, especially given the alarming statistic that 16 percent of toddlers are obese. “The first two years are crucial for establishing healthy eating habits, and we aim to provide nutritious, delicious organic food tailored to their developmental needs,” she states.
Voss was often dubbed the “Baby Food Girl” during business school, a title that seemed odd at the time. “People were more focused on profits than on social change. I was the outlier, and now, I serve on the board of Columbia Business School,” she shares proudly.
Her personal journey has also influenced her mission. Her son, Eli, born just six months after the launch of Happy Family’s baby food pouches, was diagnosed with autism at age two. This experience has reinforced her commitment to eliminating toxins from food. “It’s incredibly motivating to focus on what matters to you personally,” Voss adds.
Happy Family’s partnerships with nonprofits hold special meaning for Voss. They support Autism Speaks and have established the Happy Family Children’s Village in Tanzania, a group home and school for children separated from their families. Such initiatives earned her recognition from President Obama, who invited her to a Ramadan dinner in 2013.
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In summary, Shira Voss’s journey from a college student to the founder of Happy Family showcases her commitment to improving baby food quality and making a social impact. Her personal experiences as a mother have guided her mission to provide nutritious food options for children while supporting various charitable organizations.
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