The Problem:

With 38% of food going to waste in America, and individual consumers and restaurants accounting for 70% of that waste, the food system poses a significant problem. It's crucial to consider diverse individuals in the solution, including those with neurodivergent needs and identities.

The Process:

Initially, our team considered the creation a food tracker reminder system, aiming to help people manage individual food waste. However, we realized this approach might not work for all neurodivergent individuals – simply reminding someone about expiring food doesn't address the broader issues they may face, as well as the aftermath of the reminder itself.

After conducting virtual interviews of six individuals of various backgrounds under the neurodivergent umbrella, we discovered unique, yet interlinked challenges. Many expressed anxiety about the social interactions involved with going to stores, interacting with others outside, lacking energy to cook (especially if it means another trip to the store), or not knowing where to donate unused, perishable food. Moreover, existing digital platforms for food distribution often overlook the significance of sensory sensitivities, preferences, and food-related triggers, underscoring the need for a more inclusive approach.

To address these issues, we developed an expanded, circular version of an inventory tracker. This evolved into a community-based platform that connects users (and their fridges!) via a delivery system. With Surplus, users can easily redistribute food they won't use – or request food from other users and local establishments that have surplus goods.

Surplus:

Surplus is designed to empower neurodivergent individuals with specialized features such as sensory-sensitive tagging and intuitive filtering options. Users can effortlessly scan barcodes and nutritional information to create listings, receive expiration reminders from their own fridge, and engage with personalized experiences that adapt to their individual food habits, potential triggers, and sensitivities. Additionally, the app fosters a supportive environment by offering positive feedback and messaging around healthy food habits, contributing to the important goal of reducing food waste.

In essence, our app is committed to fostering healthier eating habits and ensuring universal access to fresh, nutritious food, while also recognizing the intersectionality of food waste with social justice and food sovereignty. Through Surplus, we strive to ensure that the path to food sovereignty and zero-waste is an accessible one: a path that encompasses individuals of all backgrounds and identities.

Built With

• figma