USA—Researchers from the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), in collaboration with the Visual Analytics Group, have introduced a new mobile application designed to address food insecurity.
The app, named HarvestHub, is touted by the team as a solution to help mend supply chains disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, support farmers in boosting production, and ensure food reaches families in need.
HarvestHub recently received recognition for its innovation at the Farm Credit MarketMaker Innovation Awards ceremony during the 2023 National Agricultural Marketing Summit in Arlington, VA.
State and local MarketMaker collaborations across the country have praised the app for its contribution to developing local and regional food systems and assisting farmers in accessing new market opportunities.
Development and features
Developed with the assistance of Google and MarketMaker, HarvestHub aims to facilitate the donation or sale of surplus products from farmers to local food assistance programs. It is set to play a crucial role in a Farm Bureau-led “Farm to Food Bank” pilot initiative in Illinois, with plans to extend to all MarketMaker affiliated partners.
“Our team designed HarvestHub to assist with the complex food security landscape. By connecting consumers and producers directly, we enable them to streamline negotiations and processes,” NCSA Genomics Lead Christina Fliege explained the app’s purpose.
The researchers believe that HarvestHub will allow food producers to sell their surplus at a price they determine while coordinating with food assistance programs, ranging from major food banks to local soup kitchens and pantries.
To enhance the app’s functionality, the NCSA team engaged in discussions with farmers and food bank representatives, ensuring the app’s features met the needs of all stakeholders.
“We use a bottom-up approach, working closely with community members to understand their daily challenges and unmet needs. We continue collaborating with them throughout the design and development process, integrating their feedback into the app,” Jessica Saw, a NCSA Research Scientist, emphasized their user-centered approach.
Sector innovations
In addition to HarvestHub, several other technologies and initiatives are emerging to combat food insecurity and improve supply chain resilience.
Food Rescue Hero is an app designed to connect surplus food from businesses to local non-profits, reducing food waste and delivering food to those in need. It utilizes a network of volunteer drivers to ensure timely deliveries.
Another notable app, Too Good To Go, allows consumers to purchase unsold food from restaurants and stores at a reduced price, aiming to reduce food waste and provide affordable meals to the public.
Companies like Indigo Agriculture are enhancing agricultural practices, improving crop yields, and creating more efficient supply chains through data analytics that connect farmers with buyers and optimize distribution processes.
Additionally, IBM Food Trust is utilizing blockchain technology to create a transparent and traceable food supply chain, which helps ensure food safety, reduce waste, and improve efficiency from farm to table.
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