Farm-fresh groceries for people living in food deserts. Entrepreneurial training for citizens returning from prison. Sustainably packaged Chinese "superfoods." These are just a few of the ideas underpinning the startups in Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG)'s 2020 Food Accelerator.
Now 11 years old, SEG is a nonprofit that supports social impact businesses through classes, events, an incubator, a coworking space and other services, run primarily out of a building in Providence called the "Hub." Last year, SEG announced plans to open satellite offices in Newport, plus one in the Pawtucket and Central Falls area.
SEG's 2020 Food Accelerator is delivered in partnership with Brown University and is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Real Jobs RI Initiative, United Natural Foods, Blount Fine Foods and Newman’s Own Foundation.
The accelerator program offers its participants a full curriculum, advising, peer learning and access to a network of experts in the food industry—along with SEG's vast advisor network for social entrepreneurs. The program will last for three months, culminating in a pitch night on April 30 at SEG's Providence coworking space at 10 Davol Square.
Read about the participating startups below. Descriptions provided by SEG.
Distinguish Catering produces a sauce line that features a burst of ethnic flavors in one taste, with the goal of increasing potential jobs for individuals and addressing social issues in Liberia. Founder: Jessica Zeon of Providence, R.I.
Eden’s Bowls develops and sells convenient and complete, fully plant-based, allergen-friendly meals and food products to people on the go. Founder: Michelle Robinson of Johnston, R.I.
FreshConn uses innovative technology to deliver nutrient-dense, farm-fresh groceries straight from the harvest to people who have limited access to local food. Founders: Brandon Monti and Patrick Strauss of Cranston, R.I.
Kitchen to Market, a program of the YWCA, meets the unique needs of low-income women by removing barriers to food entrepreneurship including language, formal education, credentials and access to capital. Founder: Deborah Perry of Central Falls, R.I.
Lila introduces exciting new superfoods from China, such as dried black goji berries, to the American market, using sustainable packaging and supporting a living wage for farmers in remote areas. Founders: Jasmine Yang & Karina Bao of Providence, R.I.
Providence Gardenworks is an urban home composting and gardening business that provides installation, training and technical support to help families and communities reduce food waste and develop sustainable food habits. Founder: Stewart Martin of Providence, R.I.
Restoration Coop, an entrepreneurial training program for formerly incarcerated African-American men in Rhode Island, will utilize local experts to ensure that students develop relevant skills and training in the green industry. Founder: Tarshire Battle of Pawtucket, R.I.
The Southside Farm-to-Market Center is a food hub in Providence working with small-scale farmers of color in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to build an equitable local food system. The Farm-to-Market Center will provide FDA-compliant wash, packing, storage and processing facilities, along with marketing and distribution services for farmers and other food businesses. Founder: Jazandra Barros of Providence, R.I.
