Work in Action

Shipt

In communities struggling with limited access to healthy food options, Shipt joins in to support 10 local retailers through the LadderUp program. As part of the LadderUp program, Shipt not only lends their retail experience, but also donated $5,000 in individual grants to the 10 retailers in areas designated as a food desert. In addition, the program has a focus on diversity and inclusion with 60 percent of the retail stores owned by individuals who identified as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and/or LGBTQIA+. Over the span of eight weeks, the retailers received training that aimed to increase their capabilities in key areas such as digital marketing, e-commerce and merchandising. The grant funds provided by Shipt were used toward staffing, website development, digital marketing and the e-commerce and delivery services to drive transformation in their community. In the end, 80 percent of the retailers said they would highly recommend the program to other small business owners to drive positive change.

More Work in Action

Vertical Harvest Partners with the Food Bank of Wyoming

Vertical Harvest, an indoor vertical farming company that grows and distributes healthier foods to communities, is now partnering with the Food Bank of Wyoming to deliver fresh foods to organizations fighting food insecurity. The partnership has led to almost 225 pounds of fresh greens being delivered to Lander Share and Care Food Banks since these two organizations launched a pilot donation program. Through the pilot, greens arrive twice a month and are fresh within a day of harvest. They also come with recipe and educational materials from the Cent$ible Nutrition Program, Wyoming’s SNAP-Ed and TEFAP Programs.

Combating Food Insecurity for Oregon’s Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

Oregon Health & Science University’s (OHSU) student population is primarily composed of students in healthcare fields—future doctors, nurses and public health professionals who may work up to 80 hours a week on clinical rotations. Due to the intensity of their programs, these students are often unable to work outside jobs and face severe financial strain. Having to cover tuition and buy textbooks may mean skipping meals for some of these students.