Yumble

About Yumble

Yumble was a meal delivery service focused on providing healthy, ready-to-eat meals for children. The company was founded by the husband-and-wife team, David and Joanna Parker, and officially launched in June 2017. The idea originated from Joanna's personal challenges in preparing nutritious and appealing meals for her own three children. Recognizing a common pain point among parents, she initially tested the concept by offering to cook for other families in a local Facebook group, which received an overwhelmingly positive response.

Joanna Parker's background includes a degree in Art History from Columbia, product development at Macy's, and experience as an early childhood teacher. This blend of creativity, product experience, and understanding of children's needs informed the company's direction. David Parker, a Harvard Business School graduate who previously worked at a social media startup, brought his business acumen to the venture, joining as co-founder to help scale the operation. The business operated on a subscription model, allowing parents to select a plan for 6, 12, or 24 meals per week from a rotating menu. Meals were designed to be heated in 60 seconds or less, targeting busy parents seeking convenient solutions. The service catered to children aged one to ten, offering options for various dietary needs such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian.

The company gained significant visibility after appearing on Shark Tank in 2018, where they presented their business having already achieved $1.3 million in sales and a 30% month-over-month growth rate. They secured a verbal agreement on the show with guest shark Bethenny Frankel for $500,000 for 6% equity, though the deal ultimately did not close. Despite this, the exposure helped the company find other investors. In December 2022, Yumble ceased its original operations and was acquired by Dibz Kidz. The brand was relaunched with a focus on shelf-stable lunch kits and pre-packaged snacks, a departure from its original fresh meal concept. Following the acquisition, Yumble partnered with Walmart.com and was mentioned by General Mills' G-Works accelerator. However, the new iteration of the company ultimately announced it was shutting down for good in February 2024.