Steel Bender finds much-needed positivity in its latest charity brew

Anyone following Steel Bender on social media probably saw some teasing images of a new canned specialty beer last week. At the start of this week, the beer was unveiled as Shine On Saison, made with passion fruit, and brewed in collaboration with Whole Foods Markets and the Agora Crisis Center.

“It’s been this enthusiastic, fun collaboration between us, Whole Foods, and Agora,” said Steel Bender co-owner/marketing director Shelby Chant. “We had those guys over on brew day. Marita (Weil) brewed this one. Then we had them back on canning day. It’s just been this really positive, much-needed positive experience I think for all of us.”

Steel Bender and Whole Foods had been discussing a charity beer as far back as last summer, but various obstacles got in the way of their first idea. They eventually circled back around and got to work.

“Whole Foods came to us and

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