In the United States, 11.4 million Americans fit the criteria of living within a food desert[1]. We decided to make a difference and create an online geographical network of available food from individuals and businesses across Richmond Virginia to address food insecurity and food waste in one swift go.
Every human deserves access to affordable and consistent sustenance, ideally being nutritious as well.
Our team decided to create an open source website for small businesses and individuals to advertise instances of pop-up, or "temporary" free food events. This includes anything from good civilians hosting food drives to businesses with leftover food at the end of business hours promoting a location to pick up those leftovers that would otherwise be placed in dumpsters. Our web interface allows for individuals and businesses to fill out a quick and simple google form that asks for general information and location data which is then translated onto a map for hungry viewers to see.
From this map, viewers can observe information such as the address, time range that food is available, and a direct link to Google Maps to access the location via foot, public transportation, or personal vehicle. This ensures that regardless of the method of transportation the individual has access to, they can find where food will be available and how to access it in a manner that suits their lifestyle parameters.
[1] https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/45014/30940_err140.pdf
Click here to read more about our project and the food desert in Richmond, Virginia
Are you a food bank, business, or indivudual with extra food to spare? Fill out the form below to add a ping, helping others reach it.