NCSA Researchers Develop HarvestHub to Combat Food Insecurity

Researchers from the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) have launched a new app to address food insecurity and supply chain issues. The app, named HarvestHub, is designed for mobile devices and aims to support those facing food insecurity by improving food traceability.

The NCSA genomics team and Visual Analytics Group created HarvestHub. The app is intended to heal COVID-damaged supply chains, assist farmers in increasing production, and deliver food to families in need.

Recognized for its outstanding efforts, HarvestHub received accolades at the 2023 National Agricultural Marketing Summit in Arlington, VA. The app was praised by state and local MarketMaker collaborations, which contribute to local and regional food systems, helping farmers connect to new market opportunities.

HarvestHub was developed in collaboration with Google and MarketMaker. The app facilitates the donation or sale of surplus products from farmers to local food assistance programs. It supports a Farm Bureau-led “Farm to Food Bank” pilot in Illinois and will eventually serve all MarketMaker-affiliated partners.

Christina Fliege, NCSA Genomics Lead, commented on the app’s development. She explained that HarvestHub assists with the complex food security landscape. By connecting consumers and producers directly, the app streamlines negotiations and processes.

Farmers using HarvestHub can sell their surplus at their own prices. Additionally, the app helps coordinate food assistance programs, including major food banks, soup kitchens, and pantries.

To enhance the app’s functionality, the NCSA team consulted with farmers and food bank representatives. This ensured the app’s parameters were useful to all parties involved.

Jessica Saw, an NCSA Research Scientist, shared their approach to development. They worked closely with community members to understand their needs and pain points. Feedback from users was integrated throughout the design and development process.

Despite the recognition received, Fliege emphasized the potential impact of HarvestHub on local communities. The team’s excitement about the innovation award is matched by their anticipation of the app’s potential impact.

Saw concluded by expressing gratitude for the recognition and excitement about the app’s future. HarvestHub aims to make a significant difference in addressing food insecurity and improving food supply chains.