Food security innovation wins silver at national hackathon in Canada

Canada (Commonwealth Union) – Food insecurity is a global issue that affects millions of people around the world. It refers to the lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food to live an active and healthy life., Food security issues increased in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and economic downturns impacted by the lockdowns.

Food security has become a serious issue in Canada as well, and in a contest that was held between January 26 and March 7, Students from across Canadian universities such as McMaster, Toronto Metropolitan, Queen’s and Ontario Tech, students were given a chance to form innovative technological solutions for the security challenges.

The hackathon theme ’Food Insecurity’ drew its attention to accessible, impactful, and sustainable solutions that post-secondary schools may put in place to enhance food security for students on their campus. The team from Ontario Tech university won the silver prize for their innovative technology that can find ways to connect people to different sources of food such as farmers and food banks.

“Working with other like-minded individuals to design a solution for the Experience Ventures National Hackathon was an extremely enriching experience!” said Alizah Zaidi, a 4^th year student, in Criminology and Justice, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities from Ontario Tech university.

Food insecurity can have serious consequences for individuals and communities, including malnutrition, poor health, and social and economic disparities. In developed countries, food insecurity is often a result of poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. In developing countries, food insecurity is more commonly linked to extreme poverty, natural disasters, and conflict.

One of the most significant consequences of food insecurity is malnutrition, which can have severe and long-lasting effects on physical and mental health. Malnutrition can lead to stunted growth, anemia, weakened immune systems, and even death. Children who experience food insecurity are especially vulnerable, as malnutrition can have long-lasting effects on their physical and cognitive development.