City Food Bank
Practice this intermediate market entry case interview question from BCG in the Non-profit sector. Includes detailed problem prompt, clarifying questions, structured framework, and expert recommendation. Part of ProHub's 835+ consulting case library.
ProHub Comment
This is a candidate-led market entry case that requires strategic thinking across market assessment, go-to-market strategy, and operational planning. The case tests the candidate's ability to structure a non-profit expansion problem, identify attractive regions using multi-dimensional criteria, and make infrastructure decisions (single vs. dual warehouse). The math component (Q4) requires calculating warehouse capacity based on donation flow, meal costs, and demand growth projections.
Estimated Time
26 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Source
PeterK
38
/ 100
One of the U.S. largest food banks - City Food Bank (CFB) - experienced an increase in both demand and donations during the pandemic in 2020. The donations sky-rocketed by 60% and CFB would like to leverage this momentum and expand its geographical footprint in the U.S. CFB has brought your team in on a pro bono project to help them strategize their market expansion effort. We’re in early 2021.
Clarifying Information
- The number of people experiencing food insecurity grew exponentially across the U.S. due to loss of home, unemployment, child and elder care needs, etc. Percent of all U.S. households that experienced food insecurity jumped from 11% in 2019 to 23% in 2020
- Distribution of food insecurity differs by state (see Appendix 1)
- CFB used to raise $100M per year in donations, but in 2020 their donation collection jumped by 60%
- CFB would like to ensure at least 90% of funds will be applied to hunger-relief efforts in new regions (i.e. no more than 10% will be used to cover admin costs)