Hunger doesn’t stop.
Technology doesn’t sleep.

SNAP and WIC are vital lifelines that help low-income individuals and families access nutritious food. Losing these benefits not only increases food insecurity, it also harms our local economy, with every $1 in SNAP benefits generating approximately $1.54 in economic activity.

In neighborhoods with limited access to grocery stores or fresh produce, residents are more likely to experience food insecurity. When people are forced to shop in other communities, their dollars—and the tax revenue they generate—leave with them, weakening local economies and making it even harder to attract essential resources.

Large-scale industrial farming, reduced crop diversity, and over-reliance on chemicals contribute to food insecurity by making food systems more vulnerable to climate change, depleting soil health, and limiting access to affordable, nutritious food in local communities.

Damage to roads, storage, and supply chains can delay food access for months and lead to price spikes at the grocery store. Tools that help farmers access emergency funding, farming equipment, and a reliable workforce can play a critical role in stabilizing the food system after a crisis.

When housing costs are high, food is often the first thing cut from the budget; leading to skipped meals, poor nutrition, and greater reliance on food assistance programs.

Knowledge, which used to be passed down from generation to generation, has been replaced by more dependent methods of obtaining food that cost more and are less nutritious.

When parents can’t find affordable childcare, it impacts their ability to work or pursue education.

Lack of reliable transportation can make it difficult to get to food sources.

Individuals who drop out before graduating have an increased chance of becoming food insecure.

Limited access to stable income, education, and resources over time, makes it harder for families to afford or access nutritious food.

Sudden, unexpected changes to an individual’s income can force them to seek help from food pantries in order to survive.

Discriminatory policies in housing, education, and employment lead to higher rates of food insecurity among communities of color.

Depression or trauma can lead to difficulties managing food access or seeking help.

Affects one’s ability to shop, cook, or work, which limits the individual’s ability to live an independent life.

Expensive treatments or prescriptions often directly compete with food budgets.

When someone experiences homelessness, it can trap them in a cycle of stigma and shame that prevents them from re-integrating back into society.

Older adults who aren’t comfortable with technology may need to rely on volunteer-run phone services to schedule food deliveries. When volunteers are limited, this can mean days of waiting while hunger grows.

Separation, divorce, or the unexpected loss of a family member can significantly reduce a household’s food security. Single-parent families, often operating on one income, face a higher risk of food insecurity compared to dual-income households.

Formerly incarcerated individuals often face discrimination in employment and housing, contributing to poverty and food insecurity.

Rural areas often have fewer resources and greater distances between food providers.

Shifting industries and rising automation are eliminating jobs faster than new ones are created. This is especially true in rural areas, where access to education and retraining programs that teach in-demand skills is often limited. As opportunities vanish, workers seeking stable, good-paying jobs are left with few options, often forced to relocate, downgrade, or go without.

Limits understanding of food choices or program eligibility.

Fear of deportation or ineligibility for federal programs can prevent access to food assistance.

Cuts to federal programs or bureaucratic hurdles can leave families suddenly without support.

Pandemic-related shortages, fuel prices, or labor issues impact availability and cost. If new supply chain issues were to emerge, how could technology help?

Freelancers or gig workers often face unstable earnings without benefits like paid leave or food support.

Without savings or affordable credit, families have less flexibility in emergencies.

Households that can’t afford gas/electricity may not be able to safely store or cook food, even if they have it.