Local StoriesApril 11, 2024

Community Highlights: Meet Jessica Bloodsworth of MenuMatch

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Bloodsworth. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Jessica Bloodsworth

Jessica Bloodsworth grew up in a small farming town on the Florida-Alabama state line with a population of only about 1,700 people. She graduated top of her class from high school in 2010 where she received a Naval ROTC scholarship to study at Auburn University. Jessica graduated Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Chemistry degree in 2014, simultaneously commissioning as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy.

Jessica swiftly received orders and reported to her first duty station in Mayport, FL, and went on to complete 8 years of honorable service, serving on two Guided-Missile Cruisers, a Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ship, and the staff of Commander, Littoral Combat Squadron ONE (COMLCSRON ONE), earning advanced at-sea and in-port qualifications.

During her 8 years in the Navy, Jessica developed deep expertise in leadership, project, and personnel management, risk assessment and mitigation, and strategic planning while also adapting to being a “Jill of All Trades” due to the nature of her profession. Upon the conclusion of her naval service in 2021, she moved back to Auburn, AL to pursue a full-time MBA program.

After completing her MBA, life took an unexpected turn for Jessica. Instead of graduating and moving on to a top role in corporate America like she was planning, Jessica found herself saying “YES” to becoming a full-time entrepreneur, starting a business headquartered at the New Venture Accelerator located in The Park at Auburn University. Her business, named MenuMatch, is a FoodTech startup where she is the Founder and CEO.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would venture to say that most, if not all, entrepreneurs would agree that entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart and there are MANY struggles along this journey. However, what’s KEY is how you respond to those roadblocks and setbacks. At the end of the day, persistence always wins.

So, each time I’m feeling down, hesitant, doubtful, rejected, you name it… I remember that I’ve already overcome (and came out successful) so many struggles, both personally and professionally, in my life, so what’s one more? George Petrie said it best in 1943 in the Auburn Creed, “I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid…” So, I give myself grace, take a day or two to recollect myself, and get back in the ring to continue the fight for what I believe in!

As you know, we’re big fans of MenuMatch. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

MenuMatch is a mobile app that curates personalized restaurant and menu recommendations for people living with food allergies, food intolerances, and dietary restrictions. We do this through a meticulously crafted algorithm that is the powerhouse behind the scenes. Say goodbye to endless internet searches and navigating through layers of menus.

With just a few taps, users can effortlessly explore a wide range of safe and delightful menu choices customized to their specific dietary needs. Our verified technology compiles the user’s preferences, adds them to the user’s food allergies or dietary restrictions that are annotated in their account, and provides a list of carefully curated recommendations for nearby restaurants and menu items at those restaurants that fit their dietary needs and preferences. If the search results do not include a perfect match, the next closest match(es) will be suggested.

We want our users to know that MenuMatch is more than just an app! It’s a movement to help people feel safe and socially included in the dining experience all while pushing for policy changes in the restaurant industry.

Our team is passionate about social inclusion, food allergy awareness, and helping this community of people live a life with less worry, bringing everyone back to the table. One of our key differentiators is our outstanding team! Comprised of subject matter experts in allergology, nutrition and dietetics, and regulatory affairs, just to name a few. We are a powerhouse of knowledge and experience who are ready to tackle this problem head-on.

Any big plans?

Our vision is to unite humankind through the universal languages of food, community, and a healthy life and we are committed to walking the walk and bringing EVERYONE back to the table. MenuMatch recently passed its 1-year business-versary in February and is on a positive trajectory to help others, influence policy change, and transform the way people living with food allergies dine out by the end of this year!

But we need your help. Yes, YOU! Every like, comment, review, and share matters. No matter how small or insignificant you think the action is, it’s not to us. We want to be the topic of conversation at everyone’s dinner table. It’s because of actions like these that bring awareness to food allergies and what we’re doing here at MenuMatch.

In fact, during the entire month of May, in conjunction with Food Allergy Awareness Week, we invite you to join us in supporting our vision through the launch of our crowdfunding campaign that is dedicated to getting our app in your hands ASAP! Stay tuned to our website and social media platforms for more information. It is because of the support and dedication from this [food allergy] community that we are so passionate to be doing what we’re doing for you and your families.

Contact Info:

Website: www.menumatchapp.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/menumatchapp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/menumatchapp
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/menumatchapp

Image Credits
Leslie Chapman and Valerie Heffernan

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