Inspiration
Our inspiration for Leftover Lens came from our own experiences with food waste. As we settled into our first apartment and took on the responsibility of cooking for ourselves, we realized how easy it is to forget about food we buy. Sometimes, we’d end up with ingredients that went unused, simply because we weren’t sure how to incorporate them into meals. Recognizing that food waste is a real issue, especially when many people face hunger, we wanted to create a tool that helps others make the most of what they have. Our goal is to inspire people to reduce waste and create delicious meals, turning potential waste into culinary opportunities.
What it does
Leftover Lens allows users to scan their older food items and generates recipes based on their freshness. By transforming near-expiry ingredients into delicious, feasible meals, our app helps users minimize waste while maximizing culinary creativity.
How we built it
We created Leftover Lens using a combination of computer vision, AI, and frontend (React, HTML, CSS). For the computer vision component, we used OpenCV and YOLO to accurately identify the various foods. For the AI component we utilized Llama to generate the recipes. The project backend was done in python. For frontend we used Figma to design our mobile app layout, and then coded it using React, React-Native, Bootstrap, and CSS. The app was developed through Visual Studio Code and tested on Android Studio, with both IOS and Android versions of the app available to use.
Challenges we ran into
We originally wanted to the sponsor AI models but had trouble integrating them into our backend. Additionally the app was running slow due to multiple features and animations implemented, however, we were able to resolve the issue by optimizing rendering of the animations.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are super proud of creating a meaningful and impactful solution to a common issue – food waste. Our project has the potential to make a real difference in people's lives by encouraging thoughtful consumption. We are also super proud of combining our diverse skillsets to create this project.
What we learned
We learned so much from this hackathon! Going into it, we had no prior experience with computer vision or React Native, which made for a steep learning curve. However, this challenge turned into an exciting opportunity for growth. It was so exciting to see our vision come to life as we tackled obstacles and developed new skills along the way.
What's next for Leftover Lens
Currently, the app generates personalized recipes for individual users. Looking ahead, we want to create a community aspect within Leftover Lens, including a donation feature that allows users to share dishes they create if they don't enjoy them. This community will enable users to connect over shared ingredients, exchange recipe ideas, and collaborate on reducing waste. To do this, we will also incorporate login functionalities. We also plan to develop a camera feature, allowing users to scan their fridges and pantries directly, making it even easier to utilize their food resources.
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