New profit-for-purpose start-up Able Foods aims to produce quality meals in accessible packaging for people on the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Co-founded by tennis star Dylan Alcott, the company has released 30 ready meals, remoulded texture modified meals, desserts, and snacks for people on the NDIS.
Alcott said: “The Able Foods team like to do things a little different, they prefer to challenge the status quo; buck the trend and they certainly don’t let others place limitations on what they can achieve.”
He said he set out to create a business that catered for those on the NDIS and to provide an inclusive, affordable, and tailored food service for the community.
“We’re so excited to bring a fresh and fun face to the disability space while offering something that is a little different. At every stage of the business we have people with disability and delicious tasting food at the top of our minds, the way it should be.”
The packaging includes braille stickers and for eligible NDIS participants the price of a meal is less than $3.00, while the cost of preparation and delivery is covered by the NDIS. Easily accessible fresh ready-made meals are essential in assisting people build capacity in their daily lives so they can achieve their goals, the company said.
The products are placed in an insulated liner pouch with ice sheets to keep them cool for up to 12 hours. The pouch is then placed into branded Able Foods box and taped closed with its branded tape. The liners act as an 'eski' for the products and allow for a far reach with delivery.
The ready-made meal container is made of recyclable plastic with an easy peel top lid and the braille stickers for the ready-made meals are ideal for low vision and blind customers.
In 2019, Alcott launched the Remove the Barrier campaign through the Dylan Alcott Foundation, where he prompted businesses around Australia to commit to hiring people with disability.
“One way Able Foods is providing opportunities is that we are hiring people with disability right throughout our business, from our warehouse to our marketing team, call centre and even the designers who came up with our amazing logo.
“We want to show people that it’s easy to run a successful social enterprise when you take the chance on Australians with disability who are seeking work.”
Able Foods is partnering the Foundation to work with like-minded manufacturers, suppliers, and businesses. Alcott said: “Able Foods will assist young Australians with disability, through grants, to gain confidence, fulfil their potential and achieve their dreams, just as I’ve been able to do.”
The company has plans to launch an FMCG line and apply for its B Corp certification in 2021.
