Hackathon to End Hunger 2019

The Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Hackathon to End Hunger aims to crack the code on hunger.

At the Hackathon to End Hunger teams compete to develop the best solution to real world problems the Food Depository faces. During the 12 hour event, teams organically form around ideas to solve the Challenge Topic, work to develop the idea framework, and present their idea to a panel of expert judges which will select the winning idea.

Because the Hackathon to End Hunger is only one day, the goal is to Dream It - outline ideas to solve the challenge. There is no expectation to build/develop an output on-site and all areas of expertise are encouraged to attend, not just developers or engineers.

The Need: Food Insecurity in Cook County remains at unacceptable levels. In Cook County, 1 in 6 people turn to the Food Depository’s network each year. Like Denise, 61, who visits the Oak Park River Forest food pantry since being recently laid off from her job. “It’s really easy to buy cheap junk food, especially when you are going through a rough time,” Denise said. “But this pantry allows for me to eat fresh food when I can’t afford it. I clean houses and do anything to help provide for myself, but it can be discouraging,” she added. “Coming here to the pantry, I am reminded to be positive and keep my head up and find a job.”

To continue serving our community while preparing for the future the Food Depository is exploring innovative responses to support our neighbors in need like Denise. The Hackathon to End Hunger is a vital part of that response. Join us to hack hunger and compete for great prizes while supporting an amazing cause.

To hear more stories from people utilizing the Food Depository services check out the blogs and videos below

• Fuller Park Pantry Provides Hope in Tough Times
• At Uptown Food Pantry Longtime Staffer Brings personal Connection to Mission
• Making the Choice Between Loans or Groceries
• Mother Triumphs over Breast Cancer, Hunger (video)
• From Hunger to Hopeful: Corry’s Story (video)
• VA pantry Helpful Client Overcome Addiction (video)

This year there are 3 challenge topics for participants to select from:

1. How would you expand the last winning idea, a text-based chatbot, beyond beta testing to better support users and collect statistically representative data at the community level?
2. How would you promote all available resources the Food Depository and their partner network provide, to ensure people are getting the support they need?
3. What insights can you uncover in the Food Depository’s data, to better inform their response to hunger in Cook County?

An overview brief for each Challenge Topic, including relevant data sets, will be shared with participants before the event.

Questions? Reach out to Joshua Sovell at hackathon@gcfd.org, and check out this video from the last Hackathon to End Hunger

Follow the hackathon and share your experience on social media: #HackHungerChi

FAQs

When does registration end?

Event registration will end at 12noon on Friday, May 3. All participants need to register in advance, so they are included on the AON Center's security guest list. 

Are there any group rates or discounts?

If you are interested in bringing a group or other available discounts please reach out to Joshua Sovell at hackathon@gcfd.org 

What should I bring with me to the event?

• You Laptop, skills & ideas

• A collaborative, team focused mindset and/or team up in advance on Social Media using #hackhungerchi

• All skills are welcome, as every group needs a good balance of talent, including developers, designers, QA, researchers, strategists and more

What resources will be available at the event?

• Introduction presentation to the Food Depository and the Challenge Topic

• Subject matter experts to answer your questions

• Food to keep you energized, and caffeine to keep you awake

• The Opportunity to utilize your tech skills to support your neighbors in need

How are we judged?

The panel of judges will score each team from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in each of the following categories: Innovations, Impact and Viability. These scores will assist the judges during their deliberations, and not be used as the final determinate of the winner.

What should the presentation include?

Each team will have 3 minutes to present their idea to the panel of judges, followed by 2 minutes for questions from the judges. You should clearly define your solution, explain how your solution is addressing the challenge topic, and address each of the judging categories. How you do this is up to you, but most teams do utilize a visual component like a powerpoint.

What do I get if my team wins?

Aside from helping the Food Depository further its mission of providing food to hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community, we will also have some great prizes (check back soon for more details).

Where do I go when I arrive at the AON Center?

Please check in at the reception desk and let them know you are attending the Hackathon at Strata Decision Technology. All participants registered before noon on Friday, May 3 will be on a guest list. Use the elevator bank for floors 38-54; Strata is on the 50th floor. Once you arrive, signs and staff will direct you further.

How are teams decided?

Teams are formed organically the morning of the event around ideas/approach and not necessarily around existing relationships. You can also connect with participants prior to the event on social media using #HackHungerChi.

How many people are on each team?

There is no set number for members on a team, but most vary between 6-10 people. 

Are we expected to build/develop anything during the 12 hour event?

Because the Hackathon to End Hunger is only one day, the goal is to Dream It- outline ideas to solve the challenge -and not necessarily to build/develop an output on-site. There is a follow-up Build It event planned for the fall, which will focus on building a beta version of the winning idea for testing.

Where can I get more information on the Food Depository?

You can find general information about the Food Depository and their programs at: www.chicagosfoodbank.org. We will also be sharing more information about the challenge topic closer to the event.