Lingering Problems and Feasible Solutions
Pain Point One
Many families do not have the financial capability to buy their own meals. A percentage of these families are homeless—an important fact to consider because food banks will not provide you with meals if you do not have a permanent address.
Also, families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) normally have limited benefits by the end of the month. As a result, they have to choose between rent, utilities, and food.
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Solution One: The Fridge
Our participation in Catholic Charities’ Common Table program enables us to cook beans, rice, and rice dishes for free. We always have rice options, and we plan to introduce more items in the future, such as spaghetti squash.
Our team has no problem operating in locations without a kitchen. We utilize instant pots in those places.
Pain Point Two
Some families can afford to buy meals but do not have access to fresh food. There are several factors that contribute to this situation, particularly:
- People in our neighborhood have easy access to dollar and convenience stores that offer dry goods and staples at competitive prices.
- They have limited access to fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables.
- Most charitable organizations and food banks are open only once a week or for a few hours.
Lemon Oasis wants to transform our community from a processed food desert into a fresh Oasis.
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Solution Two: The Freezer
We will install self-contained, two- to three-door freezers that will store essentials at the lowest possible prices. On top of that, we will work with organization/charity partners, such as Catholic Charities, that already have existing infrastructure.
The basic necessities include frozen vegetables and fruits as well as chicken, pork, and beef. All items will be sold in even dollar increments.
Pain Point Three
One widespread problem is the lack of education and opportunities provided to consumers. They need to be well-informed about eating healthier on a budget and have access to avenues that can make that happen.
Families in our community are surrounded by retail chains that do not carry fresh meat or produce. Given this, their purchasing decisions when it comes to essentials are dependent on their budgets. Nutrition becomes an afterthought. For instance, many people buy soda, a product with no nutritional value, because it is inexpensive.
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Solution Three: The Cooler
- Our Bevi machines offer refreshing, flavored water as a healthy option for the whole community.
- We will give away free lemons during the first month and teach the community how to season food with them, adding flavor and nutrition to their dishes.
- We will provide delicious recipes for seven-day meal plans. They require minimal ingredients using our fresh and inexpensive products.
- We will prepare bagged rice, giving families a healthy way of feeling full for a longer period of time.
- We will introduce popcorn kernels as a healthier and cheaper alternative to potato chips.
- For only $0.10, we can feed a bag of popcorn to a family of four.