Foodies Guide to Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month

Food is a bridge between cultures, a conversation starter, and a way to bring people together. This Arab American Heritage Month, let’s turn the office breakroom into a space that does more than just satisfy cravings. Let’s fill it with flavors that tell stories, brands that represent heritage, and snacks that spark connection.

Crafty's Merchandising Manager Vaibhav Sashtray is constantly taste-testing new products with the team at our Chicago HQ, using food as a way to bring people together. “There have been some really good connections I’ve made just by putting out different coffees or snacks and having people try them,” says Vaibhav. “You learn so much—what people love, what they don’t, and sometimes you find someone who shares your obsession with a snack no one else seems to get. It’s a great way to bond.”

Seasonal holidays and heritage celebrations offer an opportunity to highlight diverse flavors, support brands that reflect different cultures, and create an inclusive breakroom experience that goes beyond everyday snacking. Let's dig into the specific details and foodie picks for Arab American Heritage Month.

When is Arab American Heritage Month

Arab American Heritage Month takes place every April, offering a dedicated time to honor the rich culture, history, and contributions of Arab Americans in the United States.

The History Behind Arab American Heritage Month

Arab American Heritage Month is more than just a celebration—it’s a powerful recognition of the history, culture, and impact of Arab Americans in the U.S. While the movement for official recognition has gained traction in recent years, it has been driven by years of advocacy, grassroots organizing, and a commitment to amplifying Arab American voices.

Key Moments in Arab American Heritage Month

• 2017:The Arab America Foundation and Arab America launched the National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) initiative, starting with just a handful of states recognizing the celebration.
• 2021: President Joe Biden issued a historic letter acknowledging April as National Arab American Heritage Month, marking a major milestone for national recognition.
• 2022: Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and 45 state governors issued proclamations in support of NAAHM, pushing awareness to the mainstream.
• 2023:The U.S. State Department formally recognized Arab American Heritage Month, and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden shared a message celebrating the month.
• 2024:The White House issued an official proclamation, cementing April as a month dedicated to honoring Arab American heritage. Proclamations from cities, states, and organizations continued to grow, fueling a movement that shows no signs of slowing down.

Some states have gone a step further, passing permanent legislation to ensure that April is always recognized as Arab American Heritage Month:
✅ Illinois
✅ Oregon
✅ Virginia
✅ Indiana (Senate)
✅ California

The movement to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month is only growing. By embracing this month, we’re not just acknowledging history—we’re building a future where Arab American voices, stories, and contributions are recognized, valued, and woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Middle Eastern-Owned Brands to Enjoy

Supporting brands with a connection to Arab American culture isn’t just about delicious snacks and coffee—it’s about celebrating heritage, backing community-driven businesses, and honoring the stories behind the products we enjoy.

MadeGood Snacks

Founded by siblings Nima, Salma, and Sahba, MadeGood was born from a shared passion for healthy eating and a desire to create snacks that are both nutritious and safe for everyone. When Nima couldn't find a tasty, healthy, school-safe snack for his son, he teamed up with his siblings to launch MadeGood under their family company, Riverside Natural Foods. 

Their products are crafted in a dedicated nut-free facility, free from common allergens, organic, and enriched with nutrients from vegetable extracts. As a certified B Corporation committed to sustainability, MadeGood not only offers delicious snacks but also strives to make a positive impact on the planet.

Philz Coffee‍

Philz Coffee was founded by Phil Jaber, a Palestinian immigrant who moved to San Francisco in 1969. In 1978, he opened a convenience store in the Mission District, where he spent 25 years experimenting with coffee blends, aiming to craft the perfect cup. This dedication led to the transformation of his store into the first Philz Coffee shop on January 1, 2003. 

Philz Coffee is renowned for its unique, personalized blends crafted one cup at a time using the pour-over method. Today, Philz Coffee has expanded to nearly 70 locations across the United States, including California and Chicago. Stocking Philz Coffee in your office not only provides high-quality coffee but also brings a rich story of cultural heritage, passion, and community-focused growth to your team.​

How to Keep Your Arab American Heritage Month Office Celebrations Inclusive

Want to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month in a way that’s meaningful and engaging? Here are some ideas:

• Host a Tasting Event: Create an opportunity for your team to explore Arab American flavors by hosting a snack tasting with MadeGood products and Philz Coffee. 
• Feature a Speaker or Panel Discussion: Invite Arab American leaders, founders, or cultural experts to speak about their experiences, heritage, and the importance of diversity in the workplace.
• Spotlight Arab American Team Members: Celebrate the stories and contributions of Arab American colleagues by sharing their experiences and achievements, if they are comfortable with it.
• Support Arab American-Owned Businesses: Consider partnering with local Arab or Middle Eastern-owned restaurants or caterers for team lunches or events.

Other Resources

Understanding and celebrating Arab American Heritage Month starts with learning. Here are a few trusted resources:

• History.com
• Arab American Foundation
• Arab American National Museum

Conclusion

Arab American Heritage Month is an excellent opportunity to celebrate diversity and bring rich, cultural experiences into the workplace. By featuring brands like MadeGood and Philz Coffee in your snack room, you not only offer delicious options but also create opportunities for dialogue and learning. Sometimes, all it takes is a shared snack to start a bigger conversation about culture, heritage, and appreciation.