Innovative Solutions: By The Hand and Matriark

By The Hand: Austin Harvest

Numerous factors hinder families across the nation from achieving their best health, with one critical issue being the existence of food deserts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes a food desert as “regions lacking easy access to affordable and nutritious food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, which are essential for a balanced diet.”

The adage “necessity is the mother of invention” resonates profoundly for a group of students in a low-income residential area of Chicago, who were united by a creative after-school mentorship initiative known as By The Hand.

Noticing the disproportionate number of liquor stores compared to grocery stores in their community, the students took action. Austin Harvest began as a temporary pop-up at the site of a vandalized liquor store, aimed at delivering fresh produce to an area that was lacking access. Rodney Williams, who serves as the Director of Entrepreneurship at By The Hand, notes that “Austin Harvest was initially intended to be a short-term solution for merely 12 weeks. However, it quickly became evident that there was a strong community demand for more.” Recognizing the ongoing need for fresh food, the students were committed to establishing a lasting solution.

With the new brick-and-mortar establishment of Austin Harvest, student entrepreneurs like LaQuintion Wooten will manage various operational elements, including planning, staffing, sourcing, and inventory control. Wooten’s passion reflects the sentiment of many: “Austin Harvest has brought about such a positive transformation in my community, and I feel honored to be a part of it.”

Matriark

According to estimates from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), approximately 19 million individuals—6.1 percent of the population—reside in low-income areas with inadequate access to food, highlighting a serious concern. An even more alarming statistic from the USDA reveals that food waste in the United States accounts for 30 to 40 percent of the total food supply. Beyond the ramifications of these figures, wasting such a substantial portion of food also has detrimental effects on the environment.

Addressing these challenges head-on, Matriark Foods, led by founder and CEO Anna Hammond, has launched initiatives aimed at reducing waste, improving nutrition, and supporting farmers. The company repurposes surplus produce and agricultural byproducts into nutritious vegetable offerings for schools, hospitals, and food banks, thereby tackling food waste and promoting environmental sustainability, all while providing affordable nutrition and ensuring fair incomes for farmers.

“My dedication to fighting food waste, aiding farmers, and enhancing access to healthy food fuels my work,” asserts Hammond. “Matriark Foods is dedicated to transforming food systems to benefit future generations. We envision a future where everyone has access to healthy food, waste is minimized and repurposed, and farmers receive equitable compensation.”