The Complexities of Growing a Sustainable Small Business
Running a small business is a little like tending a garden. You plant seeds, nurture what grows, and sometimes pull up what doesn’t. Growth isn’t always straightforward. It’s not about racing ahead or following a blueprint, it’s about listening, learning, and leaning into what feels right.
At Happy Scraps, sustainability isn’t just about food waste, it’s also about how we run our business. That means growing organically, at a pace that feels right for our community, our values, and our capacity. We’ve learned that it’s not enough to simply have big ideas—we have to be ready to shift, adapt, and listen when our customers show us how we’re needed most.
What We’ve Learned Along the Way
Over the past year, our community has taught us:
People are hungry for connection, not just meals.
Affordability matters, but so does quality and care.
Food has the power to nourish far beyond the plate, it brings comfort, dignity, and joy.
Every project we’ve taken on (whether it’s rescuing produce, running community meals, or stocking school canteens) has been guided by this simple truth: listen first, act second.
What’s Next for Happy Scraps
With that in mind, here’s how we’re continuing to grow, organically, sustainably, and in step with you:
1. Returning to Monthly Community Lunches
We started with monthly lunches, then shifted to weekly because we felt the hunger for more. But in truth, that pace stretched us too thin. So we’re returning to where we began (monthly lunches) where we can pour more love, creativity, and energy into making each one truly special. These meals are about more than food, they’re about laughter, connection, and the simple joy of gathering around a table.
2. Building the Happy Plates Project
Our dream of bringing more nourishing, affordable, low-waste meals to schools is taking shape. It’s a project that feels bigger than us, but one we know this community is ready for.
3. $5 Take-Home Meals
Nutritious, small-batch meals made with rescued produce, ready to heat and eat. They’re already proving to be a lifeline for busy families, budget-conscious households, and anyone who just needs something delicious and simple at the end of a long day.
The Balance of it All
Balancing growth with sustainability isn’t easy. Some days we feel stretched, other days inspired, and always…always, we’re grateful. For the volunteers who roll up their sleeves, for the customers who cheer us on, and for every single person who chooses a Happy Scraps meal, even when it might be easier to grab something else.
We’re not chasing fast growth or shiny expansion plans. Instead, we’re choosing to grow like a garden. Season by season, rooted in the soil of this community.
Thank you for helping us shape this journey.
Every meal bought, every lunch shared, every kind word or idea, this is how we know where to head next. Together, we’re proving that a small business can be more than just sustainable.
It can be soulful.
