Freight to Plate™, LLC is looking to bring nutrient rich produce to every city dwellers dinner plate, bar and restaurant menu and most importantly to at risk neighborhoods.Through hydroponic farming methods and cutting edge technology, Freight to Plate™ introduces a hyper local, year round, consistent produce source to your neighborhood while building inclusive programs and partnerships that help feed the community.
"I used to dream of starting a company with a mission that aimed to positively impact my hometown, Chicago. Never could I have imagined my business partner in that dream would be my sister! But the reality of sister co-founders has proven to be integral in the creation and implementation of Freight to Plate™. As a female and family owned business, we do everything from a space of love and respect. Our family foundation shines through every element of Freight to Plate™ and I believe its what has allowed us to grow and show vitality from conception."— Mary Kathryn Scala, co-founder at Freight to Plate™, LLC
Read below to learn more about Freight to Plate™, LLC!
Who is answering these questions?
Mary Kathryn Scala, The Gatherer and Co-Founder at Freight to Plate™, LLC. The Gatherer refers to my role as community ambassador, program and partnership developer.
How old is your business?
One year old.
How long have you been in the neighborhood?
Six months
Why the West Loop?
Being in the West Loop was really a dream of ours as a startup. The energy, the diversity and the overall sense of a new beginning in an old city really made for a perfect spot for us to begin our journey.
What are your top challenges in growing your business?
Bringing a new solution/new technology to an area of business that typically is under represented in urban areas has been challenging.
Why did you join the West Central Association?
Being an entrepreneur/startup is exciting but can often be lonely. Finding a community that supports you and your vision is important and WCA definitely offers that. It is also a great way to find opportunities to partner with other local businesses and give back!
What makes your business unique?
The list is long, but I think what outsiders see as the most unique is that we are a certified WBE and family owned company in an area of business that is mostly dominated by men.
What gets you up in the morning?
The cold nose of my dog Floyd.
What’s your favorite part of the West Loop?
The consistent buzz of energy and Little Goat Diner (well, really everything Stefanie Izard)
What does the future look like?
We want one of our small foot print, large yield, year round farms in every neighborhood in Chicago and we would like to be leaders in making our city "food positive" by 2030.
Describe your business in 140 characters or less
Freight to Plate is an urban agriculture company introducing a sustainable, year round produce source to dense urban areas.
Bonus Question: Tell us a fun fact about you or your business!
We will be hosting weekly "Chef Hours" when local chefs will be invited to come take a private tour of The Homestead farm, pick their produce directly from the vertical gardens and are offered a free consultation to choose something for an upcoming harvest that can be specifically grown for their menu only!
