How might we align data across unified systems seamlessly so that we can trust and benefit from the shared data and meet the administrative requirements?
Imagine a mobile app where clients can find pantries near them that are open when it’s convenient and have the food on hand that their families want. No more searching online to find open hours and mapping addresses. Clients can report on the quality of the food and other characteristics, providing key information to other clients and to pantry managers that can improve and refine the pantry’s services. A profile captures preferences to help the user make future choices. Inside the pantry, a QR code can be scanned so that later, a client can anonymously share what food was eaten and what was not. Information about how much time it took to get to the pantry, how much time the client spent there, and what food they brought home is provided to the pantry to improve services. All personally identifiable information is deleted and not recorded.
Valuable information about pantry visits is shared with food banks to improve services and resource allocation. A critical need voiced by pantries was more data on what is eaten. Pantries want to be better at providing the food people want, both to please clients and to reduce waste. Clients can use this service to provide that information and more.
If you work in food security: tell us what you think about this idea.