Produce Perks Midwest

Flagel Huber Flagel and Produce Perks Path to Nonprofit Success

BACKGROUND

In 2017, Flagel Huber Flagel was approached by Produce Perks Midwest to bring
their concept of increasing affordable access to fresh fruits and vegetables to all,
regardless of financial ability, a reality. Produce Perks secured financial funding
and wanted to ensure they took all the right steps to set up a successful nonprofit
so they could make a difference in communities throughout Ohio. Providing a
dollar-for-dollar match for SNAP/EBT costumers to purchase fresh, healthy
produce, Produce Perks works to address food insecurity, strengthen local food
systems and improve health outcomes by providing highly nutritious food to all.

SOLUTION

Tevis Foreman, Executive Director of Produce Perks Midwest, approached Flagel
Huber Flagel looking for guidance on federal funding. Produce Perks knew they
would be receiving funding and wanted to make sure their 501c3 was compliant
with the applicable guidelines. As a new nonprofit with limited accounting
knowledge as well as a very limited capacity to hire staff, they needed expert
assistance. FHF Partner, Chris McCaskey, stepped in ready to share his expertise
and knowledge in the nonprofit area.

The relationship began with filing tax returns but after two years, the work
evolved into a financial statement review and eventually into a federal compliance
audit. “Chris and Katie Pavy from Flagel were instrumental in helping Produce
Perks think outside the box and provided tremendous feedback and assistance.
They helped us manage millions of dollars throughout the year, along with over
100 vendor payments that needed to be tracked,” states Foreman. To remain
independent, FHF helped Produce Perks find the right third-party CPA who
specializes in working with nonprofits to assist with the accounting processes and
procedures.

RESULTS

While many non-profits fail because of poor financial oversight, Produce Perks has
been successful in improving lives throughout the region for over seven years and
continues to do so. Allowing FHF to handle the ever-changing and complicated
financial and accounting details, Produce Perks has remained compliant and
efficient in managing their funds and operations so they can focus on their mission
of addressing food insecurity and improving health outcomes in Ohio. McCaskey
states, “It was a great opportunity to help Produce Perks from the beginning –
walking alongside them, helping them navigate early growing pains, and ensuring
they were set up for long-term success. We are honored to be part of their
journey and watch them grow into a thriving nonprofit making a significant
difference in the Ohio community.”

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