Start fresh. How Propel and the Fresh EBT app is battling poverty.

We are interested in building software that fights poverty somehow. We know that poverty is complex and has many different components and can’t be solved with a single app, and that’s ok.” – Jimmy Chen, Founder and CEO of Propel

Jimmy Chen is the Founder and CEO of Propel, a software company that aims to fight poverty through technology. They are the creators of the Fresh EBT mobile app, which enables EBT cardholders to manage their benefits, save money through grocery coupons, and find jobs. Fresh EBT is used by over 2 million low-income Americans across the country. In this episode of Innovation For All Podcast, Sheana learns why Jimmy decided to start Propel and use the tools of Silicon Valley to address social issues around poverty.   

In this episode you will learn: 

  • Why Jimmy Chen decided to focus on building tech for low income families
  • What is Propel and Fresh EBT 
  • Why start with the food stamp program to battle poverty
  • How does Propel get the experience and empathy to solve problems they might not understand
  • What is the process for getting usable information from users
  • What are the logistical and general obstacles faced by Propel and how are they overcome
  • What are some misconceptions about the food stamp program
  • Where else can the private sector make a difference and what are the challenges

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