ADDRESS REAL PROBLEMS
FACED BY FOOD SECURITY ORGANIZATIONS
This project matches makers, coders, and designers with community expertise to dream up new solutions that solve real problems experienced by folks working at food pantries and food banks. You can design against the problems, build tech from community-designed low-fi prototypes, and be inspired by what others have designed and deployed.
TOOLS FOR PANTRIES AND FOOD BANKS
We are learning from staff at pantries and food banks to explore where technology might address pressing issues they face. Scheduling food pickup appointments was a particular need, both to streamline processes inside the organization and to make it easier on clients to sign up and show up when it's convenient for them. In each video below, staff from TechSoup explain how you can optimize specific tools to address this operational need at your organization.
Useful or not, we'd like to know.
Please be sure to let us know why these tools are useful or not useful to your organization. We rely on your feedback to find answers to your problems.
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How to Use Microsoft 365 to Schedule Food Pickup Appointments
TechSoup’s Kevin Mulhall walks us through the process of using Microsoft 365’s powerful tech tools to schedule food pickup appointments for your food security organization.
Before getting started, be sure to do the following:
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Create a qualified account at the Microsoft Nonprofit portal
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Ensure you are licensed with the Bookings app (requires Microsoft 365 Business or Enterprise license)
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Sign in to the Microsoft 365 admin portal
Use these [printable directions], too.
https://pages.techsoup.org/microsoft365-food-pickup
Your content has been submitted
If you have more to say, please tell us!
How to use Google Workspaces to Schedule Food Pickup Appointments
TechSoup’s Kevin Mulhall walks us through the process of using Google Workspace’s powerful tech tools to schedule food pickup appointments for your food security organization.
Before getting started, be sure to do the following:
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Request a Google for Nonprofits account
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Create an admin account in Google Workspace
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Sign into the Google Workspace admin portal
Use these [printable directions], too.
http://pages.techsoup.org/google-food-pickup
Your content has been submitted
If you have more to say, please tell us!
How to use Asana + Microsoft Outlook to Schedule Food Pickup Appointments
TechSoup’s Baily Maples walks us through the process of using Asana and Microsoft 365’s powerful tech tools to schedule food pickup appointments for your food security organization.
Before getting started, be sure to do the following:
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Ensure you have the right license (you'll need Premium, Business, or higher)
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Create a new “Food Pick Up Requests” project in Asana
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Create a separate new “Food Pick Up” calendar project in Asana
Use these [printable directions], too.
https://pages.techsoup.org/asana-outlook-food-pickup
CURRENT TECH FOR INSPIRATION
Our team invites developers to share their social change technology with nonprofits and community stakeholders so that we can learn about new tools, provide community feedback, and learn from those who are designing for good.
Be inspired by the following tech and developer demos that address food insecurity in creative ways.
A free, easy-to-use reservation system for food pantries and the people they serve.
The simple, text-based service connects kids and families in need with stigma free prepaid, nutritious, to-go meals from nearby restaurants. *
MealConnect helps to save food that previously might have gone to waste — such as a small load of meat from a local butcher or a box of tomatoes from a farmers market.
The official app from the UN World Food Programme where you can feed a child for one day with just $.80
A free app for community members and food banks to order free groceries quickly and discreetly online. Co-created with and for food banks.
Businesses schedule on demand pickups for surplus food and donated food is delivered directly to those experiencing food insecurity.
Connecting people in critical need with volunteers to provide free delivery of essential items.
We are tackling food insecurity by linking home gardeners with hunger relief organizations.
A free, quick and easy app designed to show people where they can find food assistance in Marion County.
Get massive savings on fresh food items like meat and produce that are nearing their best before date at grocery stores across Canada and the U.S.
An online platform allowing those in need to order food from family-owned restaurants funded by our generous donors.
This web site connects community members to local social service resources like housing, food resources, mental health resources, financial assistance, and more.
Anyone with an EBT card can discreetly check and manage their SNAP balance with ease and access local coupons, special offers, resources, and jobs.
This mobile app finds where free meals are served to school-aged youth when school is out of session during the summer.
Community members can order free food from participating restaurants via SMS. Philanthropic partners cover the cost, and restaurants help feed the most vulnerable in their community.
Fueled by PostMates Civic Labs, this app helps restaurants reduce food waste while helping others by making meal delivery donations to local organizations that assist vulnerable communities.
Enable gardeners and local- food enthusiasts to share ideas, questions, events and extra homegrown produce.
Your content has been submitted
If you have more to say, please tell us!
How to use Asana + Google Calendar to Schedule Food Pickup Appointments
TechSoup’s Baily Maples walks us through the process of using Asana and Google’s powerful tech tools to schedule food pickup appointments for your food security organization.
Before getting started, be sure to do the following:
-
Ensure you have the right license (you'll need Premium, Business, or higher)
-
Create a new “Food Pick Up Requests” project in Asana
-
Create a separate new “Food Pick Up” calendar project in Asana
Use these [printable directions], too.
https://pages.techsoup.org/asana-google-food-pickup
The aim of this project is to match community expertise with technology imagination to share, design, and build tools that address food insecurity in communities supported by Truist banks.
This project is part of a multi-phased grant funded by the Truist Foundation. Thanks to Truist for their generosity and the freedom to identify new ways of helping nonprofits address this critical need.
Truist Bank, Member FDIC. 2020 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, the Truist logo and Truist. Purple are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.
Tell us more!
If you work in food security or if this project interests you, please get in touch with us.