Empowering communities; redistributing excess food to those in need

Food waste is one of the major threats to our generation, especially in the metro cities, this idea helps to connect and share surplus or extra food to food insecurity people in the neighborhood through NGO's and volunteers. It's a locality-based network, restaurants or other food donors in the neighborhood will contribute to the homeless of the same locality.

The challenge

Connect the excess food producers with people in need, create awareness among people about the impact of food waste and reduce it at the same time, it should reach right people, those who can work or able earn they should not get at same time.


Stakeholders goal

A platform can bridge this gap while engaging volunteers, creating a win-win solution. Also, a strategy is needed to drive awareness on reducing food waste, tackle food waste and hunger by raising awareness and connecting surplus food from restaurants, events, and corporate canteens with NGOs, orphanages, and shelters.

Design thinking workshop

Conducted with the NGO stakeholders and food distributors.

These insights collectively laid the foundation for a user-centric platform design, enabling collaboration among stakeholders and creating a sustainable ecosystem to tackle food waste and hunger.

  1. Seamless coordination is crucial
    Food givers emphasized the importance of a transparent, real-time communication system for efficient logistics, including pickup, delivery, and storage, while volunteers highlighted the need for flexible task scheduling to boost participation.

  1. Volunteer motivation and retention
    Volunteers suggested gamification or reward systems to sustain their motivation and recognize their efforts. They also highlighted the need for a streamlined onboarding process to reduce friction for new participants.

  1. Localized awareness campaigns:
    All stakeholders agreed that localized and culturally relevant awareness campaigns could amplify the message about food waste and hunger. Stories of impact, such as how rescued food helped communities, were seen as powerful tools to encourage participation.

  1. Localized awareness campaigns:
    All stakeholders agreed that localized and culturally relevant awareness campaigns could amplify the message about food waste and hunger. Stories of impact, such as how rescued food helped communities, were seen as powerful tools to encourage participation.

  1. Leveraging technology for scalability
    A digital platform with user-friendly interfaces for all parties was identified as a priority. Features like geolocation, notifications for food availability, and volunteer task assignment were suggested to ensure scalability and inclusivity.

  1. Leveraging technology for scalability
    A digital platform with user-friendly interfaces for all parties was identified as a priority. Features like geolocation, notifications for food availability, and volunteer task assignment were suggested to ensure scalability and inclusivity.

  1. Establishing feedback loops:
    Continuous feedback from food givers, volunteers, and NGOs was deemed essential for improving the system. A feedback mechanism integrated into the platform can help identify and address challenges dynamically.

  1. Establishing feedback loops:
    Continuous feedback from food givers, volunteers, and NGOs was deemed essential for improving the system. A feedback mechanism integrated into the platform can help identify and address challenges dynamically.

  1. Creating advocacy programs for food waste awareness:
    Stakeholders agreed on the importance of educating communities and businesses about the impact of food waste, emphasizing behavioral change through workshops, school campaigns, and corporate training sessions.

  1. Creating advocacy programs for food waste awareness:
    Stakeholders agreed on the importance of educating communities and businesses about the impact of food waste, emphasizing behavioral change through workshops, school campaigns, and corporate training sessions.

As-is journey

By empathizing with a persona, while mapping the journey I noticed the moments of delight, pain, drop-off points, motivation and opportunities. I started to measure the improvements to implement the next process of root cause analysis.

Research

Research shows food waste is a major issue in metro cities, straining food production while many go hungry. Many people are willing to help but lack direct opportunities. Making volunteering easier and fostering community-driven efforts can bridge the gap, reducing waste and promoting social equity.


Contextual inquiries

To understand and address this issue, I spoke with food donors, NGOs, and volunteers, while also conducting market research in Bangalore, a city that thrives on its love for food. From bustling markets to upscale malls and tech parks, countless eateries generate a huge volume of food, yet much of it never gets eaten.

A lot of food is “too good to go”.

On the other hand, the city also has a lot of old age homes, orphanages, labor camps, there are people who struggle for a square meal daily. Not just because they don’t have money but also because of health conditions that do not allow them to work earn their own bread. Project “Re-Serve” aims to bring the excess food to the people who need it and bring joy to the life of some people. 

These insights emphasize the need for a platform that ensures transparent communication, efficient logistics, and an inclusive approach to make food redistribution a sustainable and impactful solution.

CONTEXTUAL INQUIRY

To better understand and address this problem effectively, I conducted user interviews with food donors, needy NGOs, and volunteers, along with market surveys and secondary research in Bangalore. This city, known for its old markets, shining malls, and IT companies, is united by its love for food. With numerous cafes, restaurants, hotels, and fast food outlets, Bangalore produces a significant amount of food. However, there is also a considerable amount of leftover food, not only from what was served but not eaten, but also from food that never even reached the plate.

A lot of food is “too good to go”.

On the other hand, the city also has a lot of old age homes, orphanages, labor camps, there are people who struggle for a square meal daily. Not just because they don’t have money but also because of health conditions that do not allow them to work earn their own bread. Project “Re-Serve” aims to bring the excess food to the people who need it and bring joy to the life of some people. 

These insights highlight the need for a platform with transparent communication, efficient logistics, and inclusivity to enable sustainable and impactful food redistribution.

  1. Mismatch in awareness and accessibility: Many food donors, including restaurants and cafes, are unaware of efficient channels to redistribute surplus food, while NGOs and shelters often struggle to find reliable food sources consistently.

  1. Logistics is a key barrier: Timely pickup, proper storage, and delivery of leftover food were identified as significant challenges. A lack of coordination often results in food spoilage, making efficient logistics solutions essential.

  1. Stigma around receiving leftover food: Beneficiaries shared concerns about the perception of receiving leftover food, highlighting the importance of clear communication and a respectful approach in food distribution.

  1. Potential to create a sense of community: Both donors and recipients agreed that the initiative could foster stronger community connections, with donors feeling a sense of purpose and recipients experiencing dignity and care.

Connecting ideas to reveal the bigger picture

Using design thinking, research, and contextual insights, I mapped out key connections through concept mapping. This structured approach helped uncover relationships between complex issues, enhancing logical thinking and offering a broader perspective beyond isolated facts.



  1. Understanding the core problem: Challenges: food waste in metro cities, inefficient redistribution channels, and limited volunteer engagement, this understanding formed the foundation of the solution.

  1. Identifying key stakeholders and needs: Insights from food donors, NGOs, and volunteers highlighted needs for efficient logistics, consistent food sources, and flexible engagement.

  1. Analysing patterns and connections: Concept mapping helped uncover relationships between challenges and solutions, revealing opportunities to address multiple issues simultaneously.

  1. Prioritising challenges to address:
    Focused on impactful interventions: efficient logistics, a user-friendly platform, and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and engage volunteers.

  1. Ensuring scalability and sustainability:
    The solution was designed to be scalable, leveraging technology to accommodate growing participation and food redistribution efforts. Additionally, community-driven initiatives were integrated to create long-term engagement and promote social equity.

  1. Ensuring scalability and sustainability:
    The solution was designed to be scalable, leveraging technology
    to accommodate growing participation and food redistribution efforts. Additionally, community-driven initiatives were integrated to create long-term engagement and promote social equity.

  1. Crafting a vision for impact:
    The solution was centered on creating a sense of community and purpose, by connecting surplus food with those in need, Project “Re-Serve” not only tackles food waste but also fosters dignity, care, and collaboration among all stakeholders.

Decision-Making Process to Conclude the Solution

IA for food requester

Wireframes for food requester

Final design for food requester

Prototype

Next project:
Effortless curtain selection with AI and digital human support
Next project:
Effortless curtain selection with AI and digital human support

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