Bringing Food Oasis to Food Deserts

Last updated 8 years ago

First published 19 September, 2016

Bringing whole food to all communities

English Rating: ALL ages Shortest path: 5 nodes Longest path: 17 nodes Possible solutions: 23

Dale Strawford

Are all partners in Food Oasis intersted in pursuing food to Food Deserts? Yes. No.
What is our goal? Provide whole fresh foods to an under-served population within 'food deserts' that exist with Chicago.
How does Food Oasis achieve this? Use current infrastructure and distribution channels. Develop new infrastructure and distribution channels.
What can we use? Trucks. Warehouse. Human capital. Relationships.
Visit with our partners to explain our vision and goal and ask for the assistance and buy-in.
How do we schedule their use around our current business? We stagger local service times. Review analytics to determine when we need additional truck resources.
We visit Food Desert in the morning and within the downtown core during the evening when space is more easily available..
Define margin targets to determine when additional resources are required..
Is there sufficient capacity? Yes. No.
There is sufficient capacity in our warehousing to handle food inventory and food safety concerns. Our space allows for an increase in capacity of 100%..
Can we afford new warehouse space? Yes. No.
Revisit the idea at the next Board of Directors meeting for potential..
Are we willing to make this investment? Yes. No.
Seek new warehouse space options..
What alternatives are possible? Partners who may donate services. Walk away. Wait until we have the resources.
Investigate potential partners who would have synergies with what we want to accomplish such as the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, schools, food industry businesses..
The investment required is beyond the means and risk level comfort zone of our company..
Revisit the idea at the next Board of Directors meeting for potential..
What concerns exist? Safety. Training and alignment with vision.
Develop onboarding and employee buying on vision.
Can we take steps to ensure the safety of employees? Yes. No.
Employ logistical tracking of vehicles, use panic button technology to allow call for help, partner with community resources to gain buy in, employ private security options.
We do not proceed. The safety of our employees is more important that the goal. Explore other food desert locations that could meet our safety requirements..
What do we need. Trucks. Warehousing. Public Partners. Private Partners. Regulartory and Compliance. Payment method alignment.
Arrange financing for acquisition.
Discuss expansion options with existing warehouse landlord and seek warehouse partnership options.
Approach city, county and state authorities for collaborative opportunities.
Research and approach private groups with goals and interests that align or helpful.
Apply for and obtain all licenses and certifications necessary to accept payment through public assistance programs.
Align payment systems to accept non-traditional or government assistance payment methods.
Is Carl going to pursue this idea independently? No. He needs everyone onboard to make it a success. Yes..
Business as usual..
Can Carl continue to function in his current capacity? Yes. No.
In what capacity Carl remain with Food Oasis? Business as usual.. Reduced day-day role.
Monitor the increased role Carl has taken on to ensure he is meeting expectations with the existing business..
Examine compensation and role clarification..
Does Carl remain part of the company? Yes. No.
Carl remains as a partner. Ownership and decision making involvement determined by the ownership group..
Partners purchase Carl's shares.