Overview and Mission
Food for Health is a community-based organization located in Milwaukee committed to promoting equitable access to healthy lifestyles through the transformative power of food. Operating as a non-profit social enterprise, it focuses on improving health outcomes in underserved communities by preventing, managing, and reversing chronic conditions with its signature program, B3Healthy. This initiative employs Medically Tailored Meals (MTM), health coaching, and nutrition education to enact its mission effectively.
Historical and Strategic Development
Food for Health was founded as a legacy of The Dohmen Company Foundation, following its strategic exit from the pharmaceutical industry in 2019. The organization emphasized a food-as-medicine approach, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, by launching their MTM program with Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative, which showed significant health improvements. In June 2022, Food for Health relocated to a new headquarters and became the first MTM provider in Wisconsin certified by the Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC).
Leadership Team
At the helm is Kathy Koshgarian, President and CEO, whose extensive experience in leadership strengthens the organization's blend of business rigor and compassionate philanthropy. The leadership team includes:
- Greg Daniels, Controller & VP Finance, responsible for financial operations with expertise in CPA and CGMA.
- Amy LaMacchia, Vice President of Fund Development, who drives resource mobilization efforts.
- Margo Lodema, Associate Director of Client Experience, and Jona Silva, Vice President of Food Service, both ensuring quality service delivery and client engagement.
Key Programs and Impact
The B3Healthy program is central to Food for Health's mission, tackling prevalent diet-related diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Hypertension within marginalized communities in Wisconsin. These contribute to approximately 35% of deaths from preventable diseases annually, emphasizing the program's vital role in public health.
Community Involvement and Partnerships
Food for Health collaborates with healthcare providers, payors, and philanthropic foundations to maximize resource use and expertise. Community involvement is encouraged through volunteer opportunities and donations. Partnerships aim to normalize the concept of food as medicine and further health equity within Wisconsin and beyond.
Competitor Profiling
Health and Wellness Sector Competitors
Foodsmart, a key player in the health and wellness sector, competes with Nourish, Nutrimedy, and Season Health, all known for their innovative nutrition and wellness strategies. The sector is marked by a shift towards simpler ingredient lists and reformulated recipes, aligning with consumer demands for healthier and transparent food options.
Plant-based Product Innovators
Companies like Beyond Meat Inc and Impossible Foods are noted for leading the plant-based products market, reflecting a significant consumer shift toward sustainable eating alternatives that challenge traditional meat products.
Grocery and Supermarket Sector Competitors
Whole Foods Market competes with:
- Kroger: Operating over 2,720 stores across 35 states, Kroger offers a wide range of services, with a competitive pricing strategy.
- Sprouts Farmers Market: With around $6.50 billion in revenue as of April 2023, it emphasizes natural and organic offerings, focusing on younger shoppers.
- Trader Joe’s: Generates approximately $13.3 billion annually, known for unique private-label products and impactful pricing.
- Raley’s: Recently expanded via the acquisition of Bashas’, enhancing its market presence in Arizona.
- Publix Super Markets: Innovates with in-store delis and cooking schools, operating over 1,300 supermarkets and generating $48 billion in 2021.
Additional Competitors in Natural and Specialized Foods Market
- Earth Fare: Specializes in products free from artificial additives, appealing to health-focused consumers.
- The Fresh Market: Known for its European market ambiance, offering quality organics and competitive pricing.
- Natural Grocers: Includes in-store nutrition education, fostering healthy living and community engagement.
- Instacart: Though operationally different, it provides multi-store grocery deliveries with convenience and time-saving benefits, including Whole Foods products.
The dynamic competitive landscape for Food for Health and its contemporaries in the health and wellness sector is driven by innovation, consumer engagement, and sustainable practices.
