Impact & unit economics
Transparency builds trust. These numbers live in src/lib/constants.ts — update them whenever you get real receipts so donors see honest math.
Per $50 food run
- Wholesale-style purchase: about $50 for 40 lb
- ~32 portion bags at ~4–5 cups each (1.25 lb assumption — weigh your fills and adjust)
- All-in cost per bag (food + zip + blessing label + outer bag): ~$1.81
Example: $50 donation after Stripe (~2.9% + $0.30)
- Gross
- $50.00
- Est. Stripe fee
- −$1.75
- Net for program
- ~$48.25
- Bags you can fund
- ~26 bags
Stripe nonprofit pricing may lower fees once you are approved — apply in the Stripe dashboard.
Pittsburgh operating checklist
- Track every Sunday: bags out, shelters visited, dogs fed
- Photo consent form (phone photo + IG post permission)
- Separate bank account before volume grows
- 501(c)(3) or fiscal sponsor — unlocks matching & grants
- Volunteer waiver when others join delivery runs
Scaling playbook and chapter checklist live in docs/OPERATIONS.md in the repo. Donate now.