Hatch for Hunger outlines protein-focused scaling, seeks local partners for cold-storage, repackaging pilots

Andrew Bradford, representing Hatch for Hunger and Bradford Consulting Group, told the commission that Hatch focuses on getting protein into the charitable-food system and has built a cost-plus, scalable model for sourcing and distributing protein to food banks.

"There's about 800,000,000 pounds of protein missing in the charitable food system that is allowable and accessible for pantries and banks to purchase," Bradford said, summarizing national supply gaps and arguing that Hatch's buying power can close the gap. He described recent capital activity and partnerships, saying fundraising goals were exceeded and that Hatch announced collaborations with federal and philanthropic partners. Bradford said the organization had targeted a capital goal and has now surpassed $43.5 million in fundraising to increase buying power and infrastructure.

Bradford described a pilot in Indianapolis (Nutrition Secure Indy at the Mary Rigg Center) funded through a federal partnership and local institutions: weekly protein boxes to 250 families and a longitudinal HHS study (described in the meeting as a $7.5 million initiative) to measure behavior change and health outcomes. Locally, Bradford highlighted challenges beyond sourcing: repackaging large commercial packages into family-sized portions, the need for regional cold-storage hubs, mobile pantries and ways to help small retailers comply with updated SNAP category requirements.

On SNAP rules, Bradford said federal adjustments to required categories make it harder for small retailers to accept benefits because the stores must stock more specific food types; he framed that as an absorption problem for nutrient-dense items. He recommended continued convenings of local pantries, banks and partners to identify pilot projects and funding paths for cold storage and repack capacity.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about SNAP changes and cold-storage ideas; Bradford urged the commission to pursue coordination and to consider partnerships with local organizations that can repack or store protein so it reaches neighbors in usable portions. No vote or formal action was taken; the commission discussed next steps to follow up with local partners and to invite additional experts in future meetings.