Produce Perks Midwest Company Profile

Background

Mission and Vision

Produce Perks Midwest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of underserved communities by increasing affordable access to healthy food.

Primary Area of Focus

The organization focuses on enhancing the affordability and accessibility of fresh fruits and vegetables for low-income families, primarily through the Produce Perks program, which doubles the purchasing power of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients when spent on healthy foods.

Industry Significance

By addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy eating habits, Produce Perks Midwest plays a crucial role in public health and local economic development, supporting both consumers and local farmers.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Increase Affordable Access to Healthy Food: Implement programs that make fruits and vegetables more affordable for SNAP recipients.

Support Local Farmers and Retailers: Boost revenues for Ohio farmers and retailers, thereby strengthening the local food system.

Strengthen Local Economies: Enhance economic activity within local communities by promoting the purchase of locally sourced produce.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Nutrition Incentive Programs: Develop and manage programs like Produce Perks that provide financial incentives for purchasing healthy foods.

Community Engagement: Collaborate with local organizations to expand program reach and effectiveness.

Key Technologies Utilized

FM Tracks App: A technology platform used at farmers' markets to facilitate nutrition incentive programs, making fresh and healthy foods more affordable and accessible.

Primary Markets Targeted

Low-Income Communities in Ohio: Focus on areas with high rates of food insecurity and diet-related diseases.

Local Farmers and Retailers: Engage with local producers and sellers to distribute fresh produce to underserved populations.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

2018: Received a $2.27 million multi-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program to support the Produce Perks program.

Recent Financials

2022:

Revenue: $3,732,714

Expenses: $3,259,605

Net Assets: $987,012

Intended Utilization of Capital

Funds are primarily allocated to:

Program Expansion: Increasing the number of participating locations and counties served.

Technology Development: Enhancing platforms like FM Tracks to improve program efficiency.

Community Outreach: Developing marketing materials and conducting outreach to raise awareness and participation.

Pipeline Development

Key Programs

Produce Perks Program: Provides a $1-for-$1 match for SNAP recipients purchasing fruits and vegetables, effectively doubling their purchasing power.

Stages of Development

Expansion: Continuously increasing the number of participating locations, including farmers' markets and grocery stores.

Technology Integration: Implementing and refining technologies like FM Tracks to streamline program operations.

Target Conditions

Food Insecurity: Aiming to reduce the prevalence of food insecurity among low-income populations.

Diet-Related Diseases: Addressing health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases by promoting healthier eating habits.

Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Ongoing: Expansion into additional counties and increasing the number of participating retailers.

Short-Term: Enhancing technological platforms to improve program delivery and data collection.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

FM Tracks App: A proprietary application developed in partnership with Case Western Reserve University to facilitate nutrition incentive programs at farmers' markets.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Collection and Analysis: Utilizing FM Tracks to collect data on program usage, which informs program improvements and demonstrates impact.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Tevis Foreman: Executive Director

Background: Leads the organization with a focus on expanding access to healthy foods and supporting local economies.

Key Contributions: Spearheaded partnerships and program expansions, including the integration of technology platforms like FM Tracks.

Kristin Gangwer: Director of Operations

Background: Oversees operational aspects of the organization, ensuring program efficiency and effectiveness.

Leadership Changes

2024: Produce Perks Midwest was honored as the WeTHRIVE! Partner Champion, recognizing the organization's exceptional partnership and contributions to community health initiatives.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Market Size: The nutrition incentive program market is expanding as more organizations recognize the importance of addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy eating.

Growth Potential: Significant opportunities exist for growth through partnerships, technological advancements, and program expansions.

Competitor Analysis

Wholesome Wave: Focuses on similar nutrition incentive programs nationwide, providing financial incentives for purchasing healthy foods.

Fair Food Network: Operates the Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches SNAP benefits for fruits and vegetables in various states.

Competitive Landscape

Differentiators: Produce Perks Midwest's strong partnerships with local organizations and focus on technological integration, such as the FM Tracks app, set it apart from competitors.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant Collaborations

Case Western Reserve University: Partnered to expand the availability of the FM Tracks app, enhancing the efficiency of nutrition incentive programs at farmers' markets.

WeTHRIVE!: Collaborated to bring healthy, local produce to families through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes, earning recognition as the 2024 WeTHRIVE! Partner Champion.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Market Position: Strong presence in Ohio with potential for regional expansion.

Competitive Advantages: Integration of technology platforms and strong local partnerships enhance program delivery and impact.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

Program Expansion: Continue to increase the number of participating locations and counties served.

Technology Enhancement: Further develop and integrate technological solutions to streamline operations and data collection.

Partnership Development: Build new partnerships to enhance program reach and effectiveness.

Opportunities for Expansion

Regional Growth: Expand programs into neighboring states to address food insecurity on a broader scale.

Policy Advocacy: Engage in policy discussions to secure additional funding and support for nutrition incentive programs.

Positioning for Future Objectives

By leveraging existing strengths in program delivery, technology integration, and partnerships, Produce Perks Midwest is well-positioned to achieve its future objectives and make a significant impact on public health and local economies.