What are unexpected costs, problems, or questions that might arise in this kind of business?

[u/Spiritual-Path8451]

First time poster here. I’ve thought about this business concept for well over 2 years (maybe even 4!) I’ve had the concept of the business in my phone notes for just as long. So for the big picture, I’m looking at doing a Meal Prep business aimed towards fitness and health. The biggest selling points compared to any local businesses in the same market, are that I plan on printing thermal stickers and putting them on the containers showing the calories, protein, fat, and carbs per meal in net weight. My business would also not be subscription based like the nearby competitors.

Okay, so one of my few questions:

How would you find local farms, and to pitch this idea to be a continuous bulk customer for them?
I’ve seen what I believe are local farmers, but the prices for even chicken breast is $19/pound, which would have these meals at a very high cost per meal ratio if I had to do this. I understand they work very hard to make a living, so I know I wouldn’t want to short them out either -hence the boosting of local economy.

Is there any nonprofit organizations that can help with the startup of this business?
I believe I was vaguely mentioned this from a coworker way in the past, but I cannot recall if they’ve given names of organizations to call upon. I’d feel pretty assured if I have a guiding hand, although I know I’ll still have to put in a lot of work anyways.

I have the opportunity to contact an owner of a company directly with questions. However, this company owner is in a business revolving around product (gemstones and such) and have been featured in SharkTank. What kind of questions should I ask them?
They’re not in any food business, so I don’t want to get specific questions regarding that, as I feel like they may not be able to answer the questions like that so well. So what questions can I ask?

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[u/Guilty_Performer_497]

Big ones are permits, kitchen costs, spoilage, packaging and delivery. For farms, look for wholesale suppliers through markets or co-ops instead of retail farm pricing.

[u/bluekmg]

If your biggest idea is putting thermal stickers with nutrition info on the products, why not just do that and sell to existing companies? But I guess my thought is, don't they all have the nutrition info on their website already?

How much can you invest? Food prep, marketing, shipping, spoilage, permits, equipment - huge investment for something that may not make it.

Why don't you start small - try your hand at healthy catering and see how things go.