Georgia Tech Students Help Food Pantry Double Its Impact

As part of their Capstone Design course, a team of eight seniors in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering made a transformative difference for Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries (NCM), a nonprofit that serves families in need in Gwinnett County. Now Georgia Tech graduates, they began the work over the summer and presented during the Fall 2024 semester. By applying their technical skills and teamwork, these students delivered real solutions that have helped NCM provide food and financial assistance to over 1,100 families each month - nearly twice as many as before, meaning more families in the community can now count on consistent support during tough times.

Limited resources make it difficult to keep up with rising demand, and NCM's goal to distribute one million pounds of food annually by 2026 seemed out of reach. Thanks to the Georgia Tech team, that goal is now within grasp.

The team's first innovation was a 24/7 notification system powered by Python technology. This system monitors affordable food listings from the Atlanta Community Food Bank and sends real-time alerts to NCM staff. By acting quickly on these alerts, NCM's food supply increases by an additional 20,000 pounds every month while saving $1.31 per pound, allowing the organization to feed more people on a tighter budget.

Recognizing that storage is another hurdle, the team analyzed NCM's warehouse and recommended changes to maximize space. Their solutions increased storage capacity by 70%, paving the way for NCM to handle larger food deliveries without needing additional facilities.

The students didn't stop there. They introduced SmartChoice, an inventory system designed specifically for food pantries. This system not only tracks inventory but also lets clients select the food they need based on a points system. This added flexibility means NCM can offer a greater variety of food to better meet individual needs.

"It's amazing to know that we are a part of the reason why these shelves are so full. It's an amazing feeling to know that this all helps the community we have been working with this entire time and to know that our work helps families have access to the food they need," said team member Jacqueline Olsen.

"I was so impressed with their ability to relentlessly dig into what the problem is and get to the very bottom of what we're trying to accomplish," said Ryan Jones, executive director of Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries. "We accomplished so much more than we set out to in the first place."

The Georgia Tech team didn't just solve problems for NCM - they helped change lives, showing how students can make a lasting difference in their communities.