Opportunity

Problem

Society is short of resources for homeless or less-privileged youth. Eugene, like all the other cities, has a migration of homeless teenagers who have run away from home. They will stay for a few months, and then they’ll travel down to California for the winter. These are young adults who have no idea how to be part of society. They are unable to provide for themselves, and eventually have children.

Solution

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We provide assistance for Lane County at-risk youth in the areas of alternative education and career counseling. This experience should be valuable to our clients. We do this using a series of curricula supported by the Lane Workforce Partnership Oregon Youth Conservation Corps Oregon Department of Human Resources and the local school district.

Our most recent program is a culinary arts program in which students learn about food preparation and safe handling and then put this knowledge to use by preparing lunches for their peers at the Chambers School. After completing the 9 week curriculum, students are assigned to a local restaurant for a 60 hour practical training. This allows them to continue their learning. The culinary arts program is currently open to five students per school term (or approximately 25 students per years). The program’s students are chosen for their genuine interest in the field of culinary arts and their excellent attendance.

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Market

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Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce says that small and medium-sized local businesses are at the heart of Eugene’s economy. Eugene has a majority of small businesses that employ less than 20 employees. Eugene’s small businesses are active, thriving, and well supported. They include financial service companies, management consultancies, specialty retail shops, and ethnic groceries. Eugene has more than 10,000 businesses, including sole proprietorships and limited partnerships. Eugene/Springfield’s population has increased by 3.95% annually since 1998. This growth has resulted in new businesses and expanded opportunities to cater for these small businesses.

Catering For Kids sees a high demand for catering for Eugene/Springfield business lunches and other events. Businesses to businesses catering isn’t as cyclical than business-to-consumer catering, unlike restaurants and food-related business. Businesses continue to have lunch meetings and employees who wish to purchase their lunches year round. We conducted some market research in order to gain an understanding of the market size. A survey was sent out to 144 Lane County non-profit organizations. It asked for their current and future needs in catering services as well as their interest in supporting a nonprofit catering company. Many responses were similar to the ones below.

I think this is an excellent idea and could be a useful resource for the community. Springfield/Eugene Habitat for Humanity do not hold many lunchtime meetings. However about 13 to 14 Executive Director of Habitat affiliates meet here every three months. Susan Brown Volunteer Coordinator, Eugene/Springfield Habitat for Humanity

If we have an occasion that requires catering, we will call you first. We have a policy of using nonprofit organizations for services first.” – Bob Smith, Exec Dir, Pacific Youth Corps of Oregon

Our catering requirements are not great, only a few times per calendar year. You can contact me to discuss the program. However, you may contact me to discuss the program.

We do require a venue that can accommodate 50-100 people for our General Membership Meetings. Although I am not involved in the organization of these meetings, I do know that we need a venue where food and beer are served. Maybe Dave will speak with you. I believe the first meeting takes place in October.

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Concurrence

There are many other caterers that offer boxed lunches as well. They do not specialize in serving the nonprofit sector nor are they local charities. Catering For Kids will be able to build strong relationships with its nonprofit clients.

Catering For Kids is the best caterer in Lane County. We believe this unique position combined with high-quality, competitively priced meals will make it the top choice for Lane County nonprofits.

Why Us?

Catering For Kids is dedicated to providing at-risk youth with an opportunity to gain work experience and transferable skills by providing our customers with healthy, homemade foods and excellent service at reasonable prices. Catering For Kids employs students enrolled in the Chambers School and Career Center’s culinary arts program. They are interested in getting work experience in restaurants and food service. Students will benefit from the program’s experiences and be able to transfer their entrepreneurial skills to other jobs.

Expectations

Forecast

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Below is a benchmark chart that shows our key financial indicators over the past three years. We see steady, but gradual growth in our service demand, which will lead to an increase in operating expense. Catering For Kids will initially serve its own internal market. We will then expand to the external market in year 2.

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Financial Highlights for the Year

Finance is required

One of our revenue lines is grant funding, $15,000 annually. Donations of $2,000 per month are needed and anticipated. We also need revenue from fees for event catering and lunches.