USDA MPPTA Client Stories

Local Food Production: The Journey of a Meat Protein Bar Startup

Valentine, Nebraska – USDA MPPTA Client Story

In the heart of rural Nebraska, far from the bustling urban food scenes, Chelsea Luthy-Stoeger has embarked on a remarkable journey, leading to the creation of a unique and innovative meat protein bar. As a busy mom with three little girls, she understood the challenges of sourcing healthy, convenient food, especially when constantly on the move. Inspired to bridge this gap in the market, Chelsea decided to take matters into her own hands, conducting experiments in her home kitchen to develop a product that could offer a healthier and more accessible food option.

Empowering Dreams: A Meat Processing Revolution in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico – USDA MPPTA Client Story

In the heart of Puerto Rico, Eliezer Maldonado, Director of Administration and Supervision of Cooperativa de Porcicultores de Puerto Rico (COOPorci-PR), a pork cooperative, is embarking on an ambitious project that aims to revolutionize the meat processing industry on the island. Their dream? To open a modern meat processing plant that not only builds on their existing hog processing capabilities but also diversifies into processing other animals like beef and sheep. This expansion isn't just about profits; it's about addressing a critical gap in Puerto Rico's meat processing landscape.