Create a department or new business to address basic needs
In every community, there are many who struggle to afford basic need items, such as fresh foods, clothing, personal care products, cleaning supplies, baby items, and housewares.
Whether you currently run a company and want to expand your business and social impact, or want to start a company with a socially-responsible business model, there are innovative ways to make basic need items financially and geographically accessible.
To get started:
Communicate with local leaders or survey the community to determine what products you can offer that will be especially beneficial for individuals in need.
Consider if your products are financially accessible, and if not, partner with other businesses or different distributors to subsidize or lower the cost.
Best Practices / Innovative Programs
Brown’s Super Stores operates ten affordable ShopRite supermarkets in low-income neighborhoods in Philadelphia, PA with the express intent of addressing food deserts. Before opening their first location in 2004, Founder, President and CEO Jeffrey Brown met with community leaders to discuss the neighborhood’s food and service needs. Brown also lobbied the transportation authority to put bus stations near the stores. Today, in partnership with local nonprofits, the stores serve as community hubs, offering free on-site staff nutritionists, social workers, health clinics, credit unions, and community centers. Brown also founded UpLift Solutions, a nonprofit, that advises other markets opening up in food deserts, and provides jobs to people with a history of incarceration.
