Context
South Dallas is classified as a food desert, meaning residents have limited access to affordable, high-quality fresh food. Through research, I discovered that economic instability, rather than lack of food access, was the root cause of food insecurity in the area. My goal was to create a digital solution that consolidates essential resources into a single, user-friendly platform.

Problem Statement
Many food-insecure individuals struggle to navigate the fragmented landscape of food banks, government assistance programs (such as SNAP), and community support initiatives. Existing information is often disorganized, outdated, or difficult to find. This project seeks to simplify access to these resources.

Challenges

• Addressing systemic issues within a feasible digital solution

• Organizing real-time, ever-changing information about food banks and assistance programs

• Ensuring accessibility for individuals with limited digital literacy

Guiding Principles

• Empathy-Driven Design: Understanding the lived experiences of food-insecure individuals

• Clarity & Accessibility: Simplifying complex information into a user-friendly format

• Community Focus: Strengthening local support networks through digital tools

Development Story
During my research, I contacted local government offices and community organizations to better understand the problem. I mapped out the challenges faced by individuals seeking food assistance and designed an interface that consolidates food bank schedules, available food types, and SNAP program details into a single, accessible hub.

Challenges Encountered

• Real-time updates for food bank schedules and availability

• Navigating complex government assistance regulations

• Ensuring usability for individuals across varying levels of digital literacy

Key Takeaways
This project reinforced the power of user research—one 15-minute phone call with a congressional office reshaped my entire approach. Moving forward, I aim to further refine the platform's accessibility and scalability.