California State University, Fullerton

This project is a mobile and web application that equips food pantry staff and volunteers with the tools they need to increase efficiency and accessibility in getting food to the hungry – 46 million by last count. It’s a project that builds on success from the previous Pando Days season (see Bag/Get). 

The controlling idea is straightforward:  to use the latest software to simplify and streamline much of the time-consuming work that food pantries and banks engage in. This frees up staff and volunteer time to pay attention to those actually in need. Currently, 46 million Americans rely on food pantries and banks. These operations often involve manual client intakes and rudimentary community engagement and communication practices. Due both to a reduction in federal support and an increase in need, pantries need help now to modernize for efficiency – which translates into more people served, more food distributed, and donations better spent. The software paints a comprehensive picture of food insecurity in our communities via consistent data collection from the users of the platform, generating valuable information for continuing process improvement. Following pilot tests at three targeted pantry locations, Bag/Get will soon launch more broadly. The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this project include increased number of neighbors served, reduced distribution wait times, and increased volunteer retention, among others. Post-pilot, future versions of the software will be developed to handle larger volume, integrate such USDA programs as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), and work to more deeply integrate the more macro focus of food banks with the hyper-local concerns of food pantries.

Faculty Lead:
Jeff Greenberg

Students:
Rohan Kunchala, Alan Cortez

Collaborating Partner:
Larta Institute

Aligned LA County Sustainability Plan Goals:
Goal 10: A sustainable and just food system that enhances access to affordable, local, and healthy food.

Premiere Segment

Pitch deck