2. The Problem Identified
In 2021, nearly 1 in 10 U.S. households experienced food insecurity.
A concerning 10.2% of households were food-insecure, which means they had
difficulty at some time during the year providing enough food for all their members
due to a lack of resources.
Of this percentage:
6.4% of households had low food security, characterized by
reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet.
3.8% had very low food security, which involves multiple
indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.
3. Facts/Statistics
Indiana's food insecurity rate at 13.3%, with over 866,000
individuals experiencing food insecurity.
In Northwest Indiana, the food insecurity rate is at 15.1%,
Indiana ranks 14th in the nation for child food insecurity.
1 in 7 children are food insecure
4. This Is a Growing Problem.
If the current trend continues, food
insecurity rates in Northwest Indiana
could rise to nearly 19% by 2027.
An increase of nearly 4% over five years
emphasizes the escalating severity of the
issue.
Addressing this issue now can help
prevent a significant rise in food
insecurity.
5. Needs to reduce wait times and improve access to essential resources for those in need.
Manual processes to manage their food distribution and inventory.
No data is being collected on the people they aim to serve
No personalized experience for clients
Outdated
Overview of Current Technology Needs For Food Banks
6. Why I chose This Solution
Technology could be the solution to helping the organization and its clients.
Noticed some inefficiencies at the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
Utilized the services of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
Potential to make a significant impact on the community.
Mission to address food insecurity in Northwest Indiana
Personally experienced food insecurity
People waiting in line at a food bank
7. How Technology Can Support an Organization's Mission
● Provide data on inventory and distribution, enabling the food bank to make data-
driven decisions
● Improving access to essential resources for those in need
● Let clients know enough food will be available for them
● Streamline their food distribution process
● Reduce wait times
● Limit food waste
8. Technology Solution
Mobile app
Limit food waste
Reduce wait times
Reserve their spot in line
Accommodate dietary restrictions
Provide data on inventory and distribution
Provide a personalized experience for their clients
9. Different Ways The Solution Can Be Applied
App can be applied in other communities with similar food bank
systems
Features can be customized to meet specific community needs
Streamlines process and provides personalized experience
Improves access to essential resources and food security
Potential impact on other communities is significant
Can make a significant difference in the lives and community of those in need
10. Month 1-2: Conduct research and gather requirements
Month 3-4: Design the user interface and user experience
Month 5-6: Develop the app's core features
Month 7-8: Conduct user testing and iterate on feedback
Month 9-10: Conduct a pilot test in a select community
Month 11-12: Launch the app in Northwest Indiana and evaluate its impact
12 Month Timeline
11. Allow them to select options based on their dietary restrictions
Streamlining the process of accessing food bank resources
Ensure that resources are used effectively
Provide a personalized experience
Easier for people in need
Reduce food waste
Reduce wait times
Improve efficiency
Examples of How This Solution Impacts the Community
12. FoodFinder app https://foodfinder.us/
● Launched in 2014
● Allows users to find food banks and other food assistance programs in their area
● Helped connect millions of people with food assistance resources.
MealConnect app https://mealconnect.org/
● Launched in 2014
● Allows food retailers to donate their excess food
● Helped to redirect millions of pounds of food to people in need
Other Apps Working on This Issue
13. Long-term benefits to the community
Support the health and well-being of the community as a whole
Build a stronger, more connected community
Easier for people to access essential resources
Positive environmental impacts
Improve health outcomes
Reduce food insecurity
Reducing food waste
14. The challenges faced by individuals who rely on the food bank.
The features and benefits of the proposed mobile app solution.
The implementation process for the Food Bank of Northwest
Indiana.
The possibilities of this solution being expanded to other food
banks.
The risks associated with the project and how they will be
managed.
Examples of how the solution will positively impact the
community.
Recap, Alignment, and Call to Action
15. Food Bank of Northwest Indiana: https://foodbanknwi.org/
Nutrition.gov: https://www.nutrition.gov/
The Hunger Project: https://thp.org/
USDA Food and Nutrition Service: https://www.fns.usda.gov/
Sources
