Harvard Case - The Backyard Harvest: Outgrowing Hunger One Community at a Time
"The Backyard Harvest: Outgrowing Hunger One Community at a Time" Harvard business case study is written by John J. Lawrence, Michele O'Neill, Heidi Connole. It deals with the challenges in the field of Social Enterprise. The case study is 13 page(s) long and it was first published on : Jul 15, 2010
At Fern Fort University, we recommend that The Backyard Harvest (TBH) pursue a strategic growth plan focused on expanding its impact through a combination of social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and strategic partnerships. This approach will allow TBH to scale its operations, increase its reach, and create a sustainable model for addressing food insecurity in the community.
2. Background
The Backyard Harvest is a non-profit organization operating in the rural community of Harmony, Virginia. Founded by Sarah Jones, TBH tackles food insecurity by connecting surplus produce from local gardens and farms to those in need. The organization operates a food pantry, hosts community garden workshops, and provides educational programs on sustainable gardening practices. While TBH has demonstrated success in its local community, it faces challenges in scaling its operations and reaching a wider audience.
The case study focuses on Sarah Jones, the founder and executive director of TBH, as she navigates the organization's growth trajectory. She faces critical decisions regarding funding, partnerships, and organizational structure to ensure TBH's long-term sustainability and impact.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
To analyze TBH's situation, we can apply the Social Impact Framework, which considers the following key elements:
- Mission and Values: TBH's mission aligns with the core values of community development, environmental sustainability, and social justice. It aims to address the pressing issue of food insecurity while promoting healthy food access and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Target Beneficiaries: TBH's primary target beneficiaries are individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Harmony, Virginia. However, its potential reach extends to other rural communities facing similar challenges.
- Impact Measurement: TBH needs to develop robust impact measurement systems to track its progress and demonstrate the value it creates. This could include metrics like the number of meals provided, the amount of food rescued, and the number of individuals trained in gardening practices.
- Sustainability: TBH requires a sustainable funding model to ensure its long-term viability. This involves exploring diverse revenue streams beyond traditional grant funding, such as social enterprise initiatives, impact investing, and strategic partnerships.
- Scalability: TBH needs to develop a scalable model to expand its reach and impact beyond the local community. This could involve replicating its successful programs in other rural areas, leveraging technology to connect with a wider audience, and building a network of partner organizations.
4. Recommendations
To achieve sustainable growth and maximize its impact, TBH should implement the following recommendations:
1. Develop a Social Enterprise Model:
- Establish a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program: This model allows individuals to subscribe to a weekly or monthly share of fresh produce directly from local farms. This generates revenue for TBH while providing access to affordable, healthy food for subscribers.
- Create a 'Harvest Hub' marketplace: This online platform connects local farmers with consumers, facilitating the sale of surplus produce and increasing farmers' income. TBH can leverage its existing network and expertise in food distribution to manage the platform.
- Offer food-related workshops and training programs: TBH can expand its existing educational programs to include workshops on food preservation, cooking, and nutrition. These programs can generate revenue and empower individuals with valuable skills.
2. Explore Impact Investing Opportunities:
- Partner with impact investors: TBH can attract impact investors interested in supporting organizations addressing social and environmental issues. This can provide funding for expansion and program development.
- Develop a social impact bond: This innovative financing mechanism allows investors to provide upfront capital for a specific program, with returns linked to the program's success in achieving measurable social outcomes.
3. Build Strategic Partnerships:
- Collaborate with local businesses: Partner with grocery stores, restaurants, and food distributors to create a 'food rescue' program, diverting surplus food from waste and distributing it to those in need.
- Engage with government agencies: Partner with local and state agencies to leverage resources, funding, and policy support for food security initiatives.
- Connect with national non-profit organizations: Collaborate with national organizations working in food security to gain access to expertise, funding, and a wider network.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on the following considerations:
- Core competencies and consistency with mission: The proposed initiatives align with TBH's mission and leverage its existing strengths in food distribution, community engagement, and agricultural education.
- External customers and internal clients: The recommendations address the needs of both external customers (individuals and families experiencing food insecurity) and internal clients (farmers and local businesses).
- Competitors: TBH can differentiate itself from other food security organizations by focusing on the unique needs of rural communities and leveraging its expertise in sustainable agriculture.
- Attractiveness ' quantitative measures: The proposed initiatives have the potential to generate revenue, increase efficiency, and expand TBH's reach, leading to a positive impact on the organization's financial sustainability and social impact.
6. Conclusion
By embracing social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and strategic partnerships, The Backyard Harvest can overcome its current challenges and achieve sustainable growth. This approach will enable TBH to expand its reach, increase its impact, and become a model for addressing food insecurity in rural communities.
7. Discussion
Alternative approaches to consider include:
- Focusing solely on grant funding: This approach may limit TBH's growth potential and make it reliant on external funding sources.
- Expanding solely through partnerships: This approach may lead to a loss of control over TBH's mission and operations.
Key assumptions underlying the recommendations include:
- Availability of impact investors: The success of impact investing initiatives depends on the availability of investors willing to support social enterprises.
- Strong community support: The success of the proposed social enterprise initiatives relies on community engagement and participation.
8. Next Steps
To implement the recommendations, TBH should take the following steps:
- Develop a strategic plan: Outline the organization's vision, mission, goals, and strategies for achieving sustainable growth.
- Conduct market research: Assess the needs and potential of the target market for the proposed social enterprise initiatives.
- Develop a financial model: Project the financial viability of the proposed initiatives and identify potential funding sources.
- Build a strong team: Recruit and train staff with the skills and expertise needed to implement the strategic plan.
- Establish partnerships: Develop relationships with key stakeholders, including impact investors, government agencies, and local businesses.
By taking these steps, The Backyard Harvest can position itself for sustainable growth and create a lasting impact on the lives of those experiencing food insecurity in rural communities.
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Case Description
This case describes a small nonprofit organization called The Backyard Harvest (BYH). The focus of BYH was to collect excess produce from individuals and small farmers and make the produce available to local food banks. Amy Grey had started BYH as a program of a local environmental nonprofit but had recently created a separate and independent BYH organization. Because of recent national press on the organization, Amy had received several requests for help from a handful of people around the country interested in setting up their own version of BYH. Amy's dilemma was how to continue to serve the needs of her local community and help other people around the country set up equivalent organizations. Amy wondered if she should take BYH national, and if so, when and how to do it.
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