Kikstart

What Kikstart does

Kikstart Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 and headquartered in Bessemer, Alabama, that delivers food security, nutrition, educational, and community support programs to underserved populations in Jefferson County and the broader Birmingham/Selma area. Its core offerings include recurring food box distributions (every two weeks), a federally funded Summer Lunch Program for children ages 18 and under, Back to School supply drives, an After-School tutoring and mentorship program for children ages 7-17, Thanksgiving and Christmas giveaways, and senior nutrition services comprising Meals on Wheels and congregate meals for adults 55-60+. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kikstart scaled rapidly, establishing multiple food sites across Jefferson County and ultimately serving over 2.1 million meals since 2019 in partnership with more than 20 organizations, churches, and city officials.

The organization operates a hybrid nonprofit and social-enterprise model. Funding derives from tax-deductible donations and contributions, federal child nutrition program reimbursements, and a wholly owned retail arm, Kikstart Store (launched 2020), which purchases wholesale inventory from Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Best Buy, and Publix and resells items at 50-70% below retail, with proceeds directed to the food box program. Kikstart runs three physical locations in Bessemer (a headquarters on Powder Plant Rd and two retail/showroom sites on 19th St North and Katies Way), supported by event-based and appointment-based distribution channels, an email newsletter, organic social media (#kikstart), and a network of institutional and individual financial partners including The Coca-Cola Foundation, Publix Charities, Kiwanis Club of downtown Birmingham, APSO, Navigate Affordable Housing Partners, and athlete Jameis Winston. All direct beneficiary services are provided free of charge.

Name

Kikstart

Legal name

Kikstart Inc

Website

https://kikstart.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Kikstart Inc is a Bessemer, Alabama-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free food, nutrition, education, and senior support programs to low-income individuals, children, and seniors across the Birmingham/Selma area, funded by donations, federal child nutrition programs, and a discount retail social enterprise.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Food Assistance and Nutrition Services

NAICS

Community Food Services (624210), Community Food Services (62421), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Special Food Services (7223), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Food Assistance & Food Banks (BPAGAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Food Assistance & Safety Nets (In-Kind, Vouchers, Cash Transfers) (BPADAJAA), Vending, Kiosk & À La Carte Food Programs (On-Campus Retail) (EDAEAEAI)

Keywords

• Food assistance programs
• Community nutrition services
• Food security programs
• Youth education support
• Nonprofit food distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Bessemer

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible charitable donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support food programs and community initiatives.
2. Kikstart Store: Retail store selling wholesale goods (from Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Best Buy, Publix) at 50-70% below retail prices. Proceeds fund the food box program.
3. Federal Child Nutrition Programs: Federally funded programs including Summer Lunch Program for low-income children ages 18 and younger when school is not in session.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Kikstart Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free food assistance, nutrition programs, and educational support to underserved individuals and families. Its programs include food box distribution, a summer lunch program, after-school tutoring and mentorship, holiday assistance (Thanksgiving and Christmas), senior nutrition services (Meals on Wheels and congregate meals), and a discount retail store (Kikstart Store) that resells wholesale goods at 50-70% below retail to fund the food box program.

Product overview

Kikstart Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating as a collection of community service programs rather than a unified technology product. The organization provides food assistance programs (Food Boxes, Summer Lunch Program, Meals on Wheels, Congregate Meal Program, Thanksgiving and Christmas programs), educational support (After-School Program, Back to School Drive), and a social enterprise retail initiative (Kikstart Store). These programs work together to address food insecurity, support children's education, and serve vulnerable populations including seniors and families in need.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Food Boxes Free food box distribution program for needy families in the community. Participants may receive a food box every two weeks, with additional help provided when the standard food box is not sufficient.
• Summer Lunch Program Federally funded program serving healthy free meals to children during summer when schools are not in session. Designed for low-income children ages 18 and younger.
• Back to School Drive Program providing free school supplies, including backpacks, pencils, pens, folders, and notebooks, to students in need.
• After-School Program Youth assistance program providing tutoring, mentorship, and after-school activities for children ages 7 to 17. Operates Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Christmas Program Holiday assistance program providing families with gifts for their children. Families must qualify based on income, proof of address, and evidence of parent/guardianship.
• Thanksgiving Day Program Holiday meal program providing Thanksgiving food boxes to qualifying low-income families based on Department of Economic Services criteria.
• Meals on Wheels Senior nutrition program developed in partnership with The Area Agency on Aging to respond to the needs of older adults (60 years and older) and persons with disabilities.
• Congregate Meal Program Daily nutritional meal program providing meals to seniors aged 55 and older in a social environment, working with cities to serve lunch Monday through Friday.
• Kikstart Store Discount retail store purchasing wholesale from Big Box Stores (Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Best Buy, Publix) and offering items at 50-70% less than retail prices. Proceeds support the food box program. Store hours Monday through Saturday 9 AM-6 PM.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• The Gravitas InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA nonprofit that promotes holistic amateur athletic sports where physical excellence, mental toughness, and virtuous character commingle. Allows participation regardless of economic status, providing opportunities to work hard and achieve objectives.
• Kiwanis Club of downtown BirminghamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerService club dedicated to inspiring and supporting civic growth and health of Birmingham with special emphasis on improving children's lives and ensuring community well-being for future generations.
• Navigate Affordable Housing PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit that enhances all aspects of the housing industry to ensure people have access to quality, livable housing choices. Owns and manages housing properties and serves as federal government contractor and consultant.
• APSO (Alabama Power Service Organization)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose members help nonprofit groups and charitable projects promoting education, environment, community enhancement, and critical human needs. 10 chapters across Alabama donate 50,000+ volunteer hours annually.
• PublixminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs responsible citizens, Publix and Publix Charities happily support efforts to improve communities, particularly passionate about youth, education, and helping the homeless and hungry.
• Jefferson County Organizations (20+)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with over 20 organizations, churches, and city officials to serve thousands of nutritious meals each month during COVID-19 pandemic response.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/KikstartOfficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kikstart-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kikstart