scan receipt first for fridge storage
After scanning, get personalized health insights and recipe ideas
Smart fridge tracking for fresher meals and less waste
Real‑time health tracking through camera vitals

Description

WasteNot is an AI-powered food management system designed to help people reduce food waste, save money, and make the most of the groceries they buy.

Instead of manually tracking every item in the fridge, WasteNot simplifies the process by allowing users to upload grocery receipts and automatically identify food items using AI. The system helps users organize their inventory, track estimated expiration dates, and discover recipes based on ingredients they already have.

Food waste often happens because people forget what they have, lose track of when items should be used, or struggle to decide what to cook. WasteNot addresses these everyday challenges by helping users prioritize food that needs to be used soon and turn existing ingredients into meals.

By combining AI-powered receipt scanning with food inventory management and recipe recommendations, WasteNot aims to make everyday cooking more convenient, affordable, and sustainable.

TechStack

Front End
React, JavaScript, CSS, Vite

Back End
Node.js, Express.js

Database
TigerData PostgreSQL

Artificial Intelligence
Google Gemini API for receipt scanning and food item extraction, with potential AI-powered recipe generation

What we learned

We learned how to build a full-stack application by integrating a React frontend with a Node.js and Express backend, while connecting to a PostgreSQL database hosted on TigerData. We explored how to use AI to process grocery receipt images and transform unstructured information into organized food inventory data.

Throughout development, we also learned about handling API requests, managing database operations, configuring environment variables, and connecting different parts of an application into one working system. Most importantly, we explored how AI can be applied to a practical, everyday problem to help people make better use of the resources they already have.

TeamMates

Ruby Aquila Kazi

What's next for WasteNot

Improve receipt scanning accuracy and support more receipt formats.
Add personalized recipe recommendations based on available ingredients, dietary preferences, and nutritional goals.
Improve expiration-date estimates.
Add notifications to remind users when food should be used soon.
Track food waste and money saved over time.
Expand inventory management with barcode scanning and easier quantity updates.
Develop personalized meal planning to help users make better use of their groceries throughout the week.

WasteNot — Waste less. Save more. Eat smarter.