My Story

Growing up, I and everyone around me thought I was going to become a doctor. While in college and after shadowing doctors in many different specialties, I learned it wasn't the right path for me although I remained curious about health and ways to achieve it.

When my son started eating solids, I came across a Consumer Reports article on heavy metals in baby food. Prior to this, I was one of those people who would avoid harmful chemicals common in many daily products and their packaging. Since then, I've relied on emerging research to minimize his exposure to harmful chemicals (like PFAS, BPA, phthalates) through our food (and toys).

I looked at meal options for kids on the market and was shocked to find almost nothing was made from real ingredients I could pronounce. Even the "healthy" options seemed to be superficially healthy. Because I couldn't find anything I felt comfortable feeding my son regularly, I adapted some of our recipes by removing salty and sugary ingredients since little humans can't process and don’t need them. I made the full recipes and froze them in small glass jars (to avoid endocrine disruptors) so that I wouldn't have to cook for him every day. What (new) mom has time for that? Instead, my husband or I would simply take a jar from the freezer, defrost, reheat, and serve.

That's how the idea for Monster Meals LLC was born. As I shared my method with friends and family, they told me they wish they had something like it. We learned the hard way that my son got the hangry gene! Being able to have meals ready in minutes meant I could keep the hangry monster within him at bay! No, he is not a monster. He has food even when my husband and I have no clue what we're going to eat yet. At least then we can figure out a plan without a child screaming in the background.

One day, my husband handed me a business card for the business librarian and a brochure for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and said, "maybe they can help with your kids’ food business idea." I sat on it for months because I didn't feel ready. It wasn't until the start of 2024 that I made up my mind to pursue this business idea to help like-minded parents.

With the help of Adrian Montague and James Shuttleworth who are the wonderful consultants of Flint SOUP (made available through the SBDC), I was able to realize my business idea into what is now Monster Meals LLC in a matter of months.

In May of 2024, I presented Monster Meals LLC to the Flint SOUP community where it was well received. I sold Monster Meals in local farmers' markets in Genesee and Oakland counties, Michigan from May through October of 2024. Now, our customers range from busy professionals and parents to seniors. As of fall of 2024, we offer delivery as well as sell through an online farmers' market, Market Wagon, which delivers all the way to Northern Ohio!

There really is nothing like this out there. When I started selling at farmers' markets, many were shocked to learn that the whole meal came ready in a jar.

I hope your family benefits from Monster Meals like mine has!
Adrienne Serr (Founder/CEO/Mom)