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New Horizon Mini-Mart

A unique Mini-Mart offering fresh and healthy groceries through user-friendly vending machines.

$65
pledged of$75,000 goal
2
0Days Left

Project Description

 

The Mission

New Horizons Mini-Mart offers an innovative way to solve food insecurities in low-income neighborhoods through the use of vending machines.

The Problem

Have you ever come across the phrase "Food Desert"? It's a term used to describe areas where people struggle to find affordable, nutritious food items like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Sadly, such places often lack grocery stores or farmers' markets, with convenience stores and gas stations being their primary food sources - which usually don't provide healthy options. As a result, many families find it difficult to access nutritious food.

The Solution

New Horizon Mini-Mart, a one-of-a-kind convenience store designed to promote self-reliance in low-income neighborhoods. Our innovative, contactless store will feature vending machines stocked with groceries supplied by local vendors providing residents with healthier food options. 

The Market

Did you know that the United States Department of Agriculture defines a food desert as an area where at least 500 people live more than a mile away from a supermarket or large grocery store? In such places, residents often have no choice but to shop at small, local convenience stores. This presents us with an opportunity to serve up to 100 customers per day, including:

  • Folks relying on public assistance
  • Neighbors without vehicles
  • People seeking a quick, convenient shopping experience
  • Health-conscious residents looking for better food options

How to Solve The Problem

What sets New Horizon Mini-Mart apart from other convenience stores, you ask? Well, here are a few key aspects:

  • Local Vendors.

    We're committed to supporting local suppliers, so our vending machines will be stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables from nearby farmers. By choosing local, the money spent at our store goes back into the community, helping to boost the local economy.

  • Community Participation.

    Our store isn't just about filling a space with vending machines; we want it to be a place that belongs to the people. We'll collaborate with community organizations to understand the needs of local residents, host monthly cooking demonstrations to teach new and delicious ways to prepare fresh produce and gather feedback through in-store and online questionnaires to ensure we're providing the items and services our customers want.

  • Customer Service.

    Although the vending machines make our store contactless, we'll always have customer service representatives on hand to assist with machine use or answer any questions you might have.

How Your Support Will Make a Difference

I'm looking to raise $75,000 to bring this project to life. With your generous support, we'll be able to accomplish the following:

  • Secure a prime location for our store
  • Acquire the necessary vending machines
  • Connect with local vendors and suppliers
  • Engage a professional marketing agency to boost our reach

The Team

So far, I am a team of one.

Hi, I'm Ruth Jones, a proud native of Chicago's south side, where I've spent my entire life.

For 18 years, I had the opportunity to work at a family-owned manufacturing company where I wore many hats, including customer service, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and even picking orders on the sales floor. This experience taught me the importance of patience and courtesy, even when dealing with the most difficult customers, as well as building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with vendors.
All these experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, ready to embark on this new adventure.

Back in 2013, I came to understand the challenges of living in a food desert when the Dominick's store at 71st and Jeffery closed, leaving the South Shore community without a major grocery store. Over the years, I've had various ideas on how to address this issue by creating a unique store concept but hadn't been able to fully develop a plan. While a new store has opened in the old Dominik's location, food insecurity remains a prevalent issue on the south side.

It's time for us to get creative and think outside the box.

If you're enthusiastic about our project but can't contribute financially, don't worry—there are still ways you can help. Sharing information about our campaign with your friends and encouraging them to spread the word would mean to me. 

Your consideration and support is appreciated.


 

Updates

The Campaign FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Which kinds of vending machines can we expect to see in the store?

    Imagine walking into the store and finding vending machines that go beyond just offering snacks and sodas. We're introducing user-friendly grocery dispensing machines, designed to make your shopping experience more convenient. You'll find two types of machines in our store: smart coolers and conveyor belt-style dispensing machines. Now, that's a fresh take on vending, right? 

  2. How will the smart cooler and conveyor belt grocery dispensing vending machines work?

    Our smart coolers offer allow customers to simply swipe their payment method and open the cooler door. This way, they can easily choose the items they desire from the shelves while a display shows their selections and respective prices. 

    The conveyor belt style machines don't open but will allow the customer to select multiple items from a display screen. It will also have a lift system that will rise to the shelf containing the item(s) chosen so the items will land on the lift and not fall to the bottom.

  3. Will this be an unattended store?

    Don't worry, our friendly customer service agents will be on hand to help customers navigate the machines and address any questions they might have. 

  4. Which payment methods can customers use?

    We gladly accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as EMV and NFC payments for your convenience. Additionally, we're constantly exploring new payment options, such as SNAP cards, to better serve our valued customers.




     

 

 

Claudia Cabrera
05/26/2023
T-Shirt
$50
Natalie Przybylo
05/25/2023
Thank You Note
$15
Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

0 Supporters
Select this reward
15.00 USD
Thank You Note

A sincere New Horizon thank you note, expressing our gratitude for your belief in our mission and goals!

999 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Bumper Sticker

Get ready to show off your enthusiasm with an "I Can See The New Horizon" bumper sticker, which comes along with all the previously mentioned rewards.

500 Left
0 Supporters
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50.00 USD
T-Shirt

Get ready to sport our "I Can See A New Horizon" t-shirt, along with the fantastic rewards mentioned earlier!

249 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Reusable Grocery Bag

Get your hands on our "I Can See A New Horizon" reusable & washable cloth grocery bag, along with all the previously mentioned rewards.

150 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
150.00 USD
Social Media Thank You List

We appreciate your support and would love to feature your picture, name, and brand on our special thank you list. This list will be displayed on our upcoming website and Facebook page. Plus, you'll also receive all the benefits from previous reward tiers. We truly value your contribution to our business.

100 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
Store Thank You List

Have your photo, name, and brand featured on our special Supporters Thank You list displayed in our store. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your personal brand, while also expressing your pride in being part of our New Horizon vision. Plus, enjoy all the benefits of previous rewards as well!

25 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

0 Supporters
Select this reward
15.00 USD
Thank You Note

A sincere New Horizon thank you note, expressing our gratitude for your belief in our mission and goals!

999 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Bumper Sticker

Get ready to show off your enthusiasm with an "I Can See The New Horizon" bumper sticker, which comes along with all the previously mentioned rewards.

500 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
T-Shirt

Get ready to sport our "I Can See A New Horizon" t-shirt, along with the fantastic rewards mentioned earlier!

249 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Reusable Grocery Bag

Get your hands on our "I Can See A New Horizon" reusable & washable cloth grocery bag, along with all the previously mentioned rewards.

150 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
150.00 USD
Social Media Thank You List

We appreciate your support and would love to feature your picture, name, and brand on our special thank you list. This list will be displayed on our upcoming website and Facebook page. Plus, you'll also receive all the benefits from previous reward tiers. We truly value your contribution to our business.

100 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
Store Thank You List

Have your photo, name, and brand featured on our special Supporters Thank You list displayed in our store. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your personal brand, while also expressing your pride in being part of our New Horizon vision. Plus, enjoy all the benefits of previous rewards as well!

25 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward