MomEconomy app in Utah hopes to help moms trade child care, tutoring and goods without spending cash

A Utah nonprofit is working on a new way to help mothers support one another by trading services and household needs without using money.

Momivate, an organization focused on helping moms build community, is developing an app called MomEconomy. The app is designed to let mothers barter everyday goods and services such as child care, meal prep, tutoring and other forms of support, all without cash changing hands.

Organizers say the idea is to help families stretch their resources while also tackling the isolation many parents feel.

Momivate says the app builds on its broader mission of helping moms “find their village.” The nonprofit is already known for its revolving closet program, where families can swap children’s clothes their kids have outgrown for other donated items at no cost.

Supporters believe MomEconomy could expand that concept even further by giving moms a place to exchange time, talents and resources in ways that benefit the whole family.

For some mothers, that kind of support can make a major difference. One mom involved with the organization said she felt deeply alone after the birth of her second child while also dealing with serious family health challenges. She said finding community through Momivate helped her during a difficult chapter.

The app is being built with help from four Brigham Young University students, who are developing it as part of their capstone project. The group has already spent hundreds of hours on the platform.

MomEconomy is expected to begin beta testing in the coming weeks. Momivate hopes to launch it across Utah later this year, with plans to eventually grow beyond the state.

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