Lethbridge student launches app to combat food insecurity

A student at the University of Lethbridge has created an app called SnackRadar to help tackle food insecurity among college students. Many students struggle to find enough food, with reports indicating that 20 percent regularly face food shortages. A significant number of these students, around 10 percent, deal with this issue every day. Ankit Mukherjee, a fourth-year student, developed SnackRadar after observing the waste of leftover food at campus events. The app connects students in need of food with those who want to share. Users can sign up to receive alerts about available food. More than 600 students have already signed up since the app launched earlier this month. The app is getting positive feedback, especially as it comes at a busy time for students preparing for exams. Alejandro Figueroa, the president-elect of the student union, believes it is exciting to get real-time notifications about free food nearby. The app supports both students and the environment by reducing food waste, ensuring surplus food is distributed quickly and safely. Mukherjee credits the LaunchPoint Pitch Competition, where he won $1,000 for his idea, for helping him gain initial users. This entrepreneurial event, supported by the university and Lethbridge Polytechnic, assists students in developing their business ideas. Mukherjee plans to continue refining SnackRadar with support from the university. The app is currently available at snackradar.ca, and Mukherjee hopes to further his career after graduation while continuing to develop the app.