Innovation

Fresh FueLL itself, is an innovative small business, where health and wellness is encouraged through fresh food services, and educational lectures held regularly. The specific innovation at hand is the "School FueLL" program, as well as the health and wellness courses provided by Fresh FueLL to the community.

Individuals involved in this innovation include Luis and Leanna Segura, the owners of the Fresh FueLL (and the namesakes behind the double L in their business name). They have a shop and a portable booth. Students benefit by receiving these inexpensive and nutrient-rich lunches via both their school system and their parents, who can decide to purchase individual lunches. The business is enabling local elementary schools to alter their lunch systems, shifting from traditional unhealthy, low-cost options to well-balanced and carefully-planned meals.

Currently, this is directly impacting the community of Lindsay, Ontario. Over 4 separate elementary schools have taken on this meal plan as a means of improving food options for the youth of Lindsay. With more scale, this program could be implemented across the province, changing lifestyles indefinitely. Through addressing SDG goal 3, this innovation is doing a great job in educating youth as well as adults interested in the extended learning opportunities offered through Fresh FueLL. It is also promoting healthy lifestyles institutionally with the elementary schools it has on board.

Inspiration

Luis was inspired to create an inexpensive and accessible lunch option in his community for busy parents based off of his own needs. Having children of his own, there was an inherent demand for more health-conscious food options that did not involve a lot of time or money.

He stated in interview: "We were always out trying to get something to eat for the kids and there was never anything healthy. You know, always junk food and fast food, and were like, 'what if there was a place where you could just pick up a healthier option?'”

Having been born in El Salvador, Luis grew up extremely fortunate with the fresh fruit options available there and knew the impact from and importance of making healthy foods part of your daily diet.

Having spotted this need, based on his family's own experience, he and his wife Leanna took matters into their own hands. They opened a business where kids and parents alike could gather, learn, and receive the nutrients they needed for the day.

Knowing he wanted his children to learn healthy lifestyle habits, and that he had the knowledge and means to do so, he started the business, and it is now in its 4th year!

Overall impact

This business is on the rise and continues to grow each day.

In the short run, children each day have inexpensive, and healthy options when they sit down at lunch time in school. The burden on parents to provide options for their children they are proud of and comfortable with is lifted through this program. Today's society has created a paradigm where traditionally healthy foods are more expensive and inaccessible than a convenient combo from a local fast food chain, as Luis noted. Luis' business immediately eliminates an extremely common, modern, and relatable problem parents face with feeding their children.

In the long term, the community of Lindsay, and those neighboring the town are shifting towards a society that is curious and interested in furthering their health-oriented lifestyles. The courses held in Fresh FueLL draw in individuals of all demographics, creating a common denominator of the importance of health and fitness. This creates ripple effects in every step taken by each individual who is passionate and learns from this. With more knowledge, comes more informed decisions. In turn, more individuals work to support and create businesses like Fresh FueLL, which hold a greater purpose to serve the community while maintaining a business model that provides income for the family involved.

Business benefit

The booming business is mainly due to the innovation provided by Leanna and Luis. While health-oriented business and services are absolutely on the rise, the community has welcomed Fresh FueLL with open arms due to the greater purpose the business model holds.

The couple sees health and wellness for their friends, family, and community members as highly valuable. Due to the care they put into the elementary school lunch systems, the food services provided in their shop, and the courses available, they attract loyal regulars.

Returning customers leads to increasing revenues, and they have branched out by hiring in many different areas due to this. With the courses held, they have hired individuals trained in reiki, flotation therapy, Crossfit and more. This has allowed for far more extensive and inter-disciplinary teaching, leading to long-term learning for the community and their changing lifestyles.

Ultimately, they have planted a level of care in their employees and customers through the general theme of wellness that it has come to grow and blossom into an expanding business, which has positive benefits for all parties involved.

Social and environmental benefit

This innovation greatly benefits the surrounding society, as well as the environment.

Educating young children about eating and living consciously and healthily impacts future generations. If larger portions of society had access to this kind of innovation, then Canadian society could nurture many health-conscious and responsible individuals, who in turn teach their children the same practices for the future. Children in the Lindsay area are growing up with healthy options in school, a stark contrast to those before them, and the PTA decided to make the change because of the benefits it brings.

Environmentally, this too reaps many positive rewards. Fresh FueLL is locally run and delivers to locations that are relatively close to where the food is prepared. Rather than the traditional frozen foods shipped to elementary schools via transport truck or by air, they provide food that is accessible and close in proximity. This subsequently reduced the carbon footprint of the elementary schools involved in this program. They also provide mainly plant-based options, which also speaks to the environmental impact. Red meats and overly-processed foods are extremely detrimental in terms of the amount of water and resources necessary to produce them.

Interviews

Luis Segura, Co-owner

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