A team of Georgia Tech seniors has turned classroom lessons into transformative community action. Their capstone project has helped Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries (NCM), a Gwinnett County nonprofit, serve twice as many families each month, proving that innovation and teamwork can spark lasting change.
Tackling Food Insecurity With Real Solutions
When the team of eight students from the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering began their work, NCM faced significant challenges. Limited resources and rising demand threatened its ability to meet its ambitious goal of distributing one million pounds of food annually by 2026.
The students’ first breakthrough was creating a Python-based system to monitor affordable food listings from the Atlanta Community Food Bank. This 24/7 notification system alerts NCM staff in real time, enabling them to secure surplus food quickly. The result? NCM now adds an extra 20,000 pounds of food to its inventory each month, saving $1.31 per pound while dramatically increasing its reach.
“It’s incredible to see the direct impact our work has had,” said Jacqueline Olsen, one of the team members. “Knowing that our efforts help families access the food they need is truly rewarding.”
Optimizing Storage to Meet Rising Needs
Another obstacle NCM faced was storage capacity. The food pantry struggled to house large deliveries, making it difficult to expand its operations.
By analyzing the nonprofit’s warehouse, the Georgia Tech team proposed strategic layout changes that boosted storage capacity by 70%. These improvements allow NCM to handle larger quantities of food without needing additional facilities, positioning the organization for continued growth.
The changes have already shown results, with shelves fuller than ever and staff better equipped to manage increased donations.
SmartChoice: A System That Empowers Families
Beyond storage and supply, the students addressed how food was distributed. They implemented SmartChoice, a user-friendly inventory system tailored to food pantries. This system not only tracks inventory but also empowers clients to choose items based on a points system, ensuring that families get the food they actually need and prefer.
SmartChoice has made NCM’s services more inclusive and adaptable. Families can now select from a wider variety of options, transforming the pantry into a more personalized experience for those it serves.
Key Achievements of the Project:
- Increased Food Supply: An additional 20,000 pounds of food monthly via Python-powered notifications.
- Cost Savings: $1.31 saved per pound of food purchased.
- Expanded Storage: 70% increase in warehouse capacity.
- Enhanced Services: Implementation of a points-based food selection system.
Community Impact and Recognition
The project has not only benefited NCM but also highlighted how student-led initiatives can drive meaningful change. Ryan Jones, NCM’s executive director, praised the team’s determination: “I was so impressed with their ability to relentlessly dig into the problem and achieve more than we originally envisioned.”
With NCM now supporting over 1,100 families each month, the work of these Georgia Tech students has made an indelible mark on their community.
