Lizz Wilson founded Holmestead Harvest, a small independent grocer in Whitman, MA committed to bringing healthy, locally sourced produce to everyone – regardless of their financial circumstances.
One-third of Holmestead’s customers use the Massachusetts HIP (Healthy Incentives Program), which offers SNAP recipients discounts on purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables from local merchants. Lizz appreciates how HIP provides access to locally grown, nutritious foods from local, independent shops, like Holmestead Harvest for shoppers who may otherwise not be able to afford it.
As Holmestead Harvest’s home delivery service expanded to 700 households across 25 towns, Lizz needed a financing partner that understood her vision. Unlike traditional lenders solely focused on the bottom line, LEAF recognized Holmestead’s potential and rapid growth, providing the working capital to invest in refrigeration upgrades and new delivery staff.
“LEAF sees the bigger picture,” Wilson explained. “They know that revenue is tripling, and with that, my expenses are too. A traditional bank would focus on the bottom line and not try to understand that hiring and training costs are expensive but necessary investments to meet the demand.”
Thanks to LEAF’s expertise and a commitment to business owners like Lizz with a flexible loan, Holmestead Harvest is now poised to meet the demand in its mission to cultivate a healthier, more equitable local food system – one nourishing serving at a time.