Comida Para Todos (Food for all)

Urgent challenge of combating hunger in Brazil. Between 2021 and 2022, about 33.1 million people lived in households where one or more persons did not have meals for at least one day in about 3 months, according to a survey conducted by the Penssan Network. That is, about 15.5% of the country's households experienced hunger. Moreover, when we also consider the situation of mild food insecurity, which includes concerns about lack of food, needing to skip meals or reduce the quality of their diet, the number reaches 125.2 million people. This represents 58.7% of the population. 

On the other hand, about one-third of all global food production is wasted annually, which is equivalent to approximately 1.3 billion tons of food, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The FAO estimates that if we were to reduce food waste by just 25%, it would be possible to feed all malnourished people in the world. In Brazil, food waste is around 41 thousand tons per year, which is equivalent to approximately 30% of the entire national food production, according to Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation). In the case of restaurants and similar establishments (including bakeries, coffee shops, and bars), they are responsible for about 14% of food waste in the country, according to the report "Food Waste in Brazil," published in 2018 by the Ministry of the Environment in partnership with Embrapa.

Therefore, more than half of the Brazilian population lives in food insecurity and since health is complete physical and emotional well-being, it can be concluded that these people do not have access to health. Thus, we fervently believe that by avoiding any waste of food in food production networks, directing them to the most vulnerable population, we will significantly help mitigate hunger in our midst. 

We recognize that hunger is a significant barrier to personal and economic development. By ensuring that the population has adequate access to nutritious food, we can promote a profound transformation in their lives. By meeting this basic need, we pave the way for people to build a better future for themselves, while also contributing to the economic progress of our country by helping the economically active population.

Our proposal aims to connect people with low socioeconomic status to food industry companies, encouraging the donation of excess food to combat food insecurity and waste. Through the "app name" application, low-income populations can register and be able to connect with establishments willing to make food donations. Based on the user's location, the application itself will show restaurants or food centers that provide food, the amount available, and the possible pickup time for the product. 

On the other hand, companies with surplus food (suitable for consumption that will be discarded), might give another destination for these meals: donation. 

Furthermore, the application comes at a good time, as after the pandemic and the consequent creation of the Auxílio Brazil program, which had an online registration, the most vulnerable population learned to use technology and applications, as it was necessary to receive financial assistance from the Federal Government.

Our vision extends beyond the immediate mitigation of hunger. We seek to promote the economic development of Brazil as a whole. This is because by providing food for families that are experiencing different levels of food insecurity, they are more likely to be able to work, study, develop socially, and consequently have a better quality of life. Therefore, in addition to improving their physical and mental health, we seek to boost the national economy. Moreover, by tackling the challenge of hunger on a large scale, we are contributing to raising the Human Development Index (HDI) of the country, improving the quality of life and well-being of millions of people.

We are a team composed of 5 people, 4 medical students with different previous qualifications and one programmer. We are active in constant social actions and have different personal experiences related to the project. Together, we realized that we needed to do more for the Brazilian population that faces great food insecurity, which worsened after the covid-19 pandemic. 

Part of the group participates in social actions to collect food for the assembly of basic food baskets and has noticed that more and more people are signing up to request help. Also, during the delivery of food, it is clear that the concern about what they will have to eat the next day has been affecting the mental and physical health of several families. 

In addition, another part of the group came from a region with a low Human Development Index (HDI) and grew up surrounded by the difficulties of poverty, causing an intrinsic desire to help those in need.

Our CEO, Ana Clara, faced a financial crisis in her life and had to rely on the help of relatives to continue her studies. Thus, her aunt, a great social leader in her hometown, welcomed her into her home in the capital of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, where she studies medicine. In this way, Ana Clara developed a constant participation in social projects in her aunt's hometown, composed of a population with great food insecurity. Therefore, she developed the necessary and important leadership for the project, as well as the strategic vision that has helped us understand how to move forward with the project. 

Today, we are aware that the problem of large-scale hunger is complex and urgent, but we are determined to make a difference. We dream of a future where hunger is only a distant memory and where everyone has the opportunity to realize their full potential. It is inspiring to see young leaders like us, working together to solve such an urgent and complex problem, and envisioning a better future for all. We will continue to fight tirelessly to achieve this vision and make this world a fairer and more equal place.

Our application is currently in the prototyping phase, meaning it is in its initial version with a simplified model, and we are starting the testing phase. We are currently testing the platform's functionalities and improving them to provide the best possible user experience. Additionally, we are evaluating proposals from potential investors who prioritize visibility with the social aspects inherent in the project. Thus far, we have formed partnerships with 12 companies that have committed to donating, but their information has not yet been integrated into the system due to our involvement with Solve. Finally, we have initiated a market analysis to identify areas where the application's resources can be improved, and we have developed a clear, coherent, and feasible plan for the official launch to the public.

There are currently no users as our startup is in the prototype stage.

We are applying because we believe that this simple application can have a positive impact on thousands of people who are living in poverty and food insecurity in Brazil. For this, we know that we need financial support, and Solve could not only directly help us, but also be a bridge that would allow the idea to be recognized and consequently receive support from private companies and good acceptance from local businesses.

The only app that aims to reduce user hunger through donations of food, completely free of charge.

Why choose Comida Para Todos instead of other apps?

• The option to donate either food or money to support the fight against hunger

• Companies that donate to the project will receive recognition and can receive certifications as participants in the social project.

• A network of testimonials that show the impact of the project within the platform

• The app has a user-friendly interface and easy-to-use features

• Enhanced user experience with personalized notifications

• Access to educational platforms within the app that provide information on healthy nutrition

• We promote transparency and accountability regarding financial resources

Why would the company join the program?

• tax benefits and government incentives

• sustainability and waste reduction

• brand image

• social responsibility

In one year, we aim to expand the use of the application to all Brazilian capitals. This will be achieved through partnerships with different companies in the food industry to provide the necessary financial support for the maintenance and necessary promotion of the application. 

In five years, our goal is to expand to more regions of Brazil, bringing a significant impact to the most vulnerable populations. Additionally, we aim to expand the network of partner establishments so that every city, even small ones, has at least one partner establishment. We intend to achieve this through extensive marketing that shows the relevance of the project and how companies can not only help the surrounding population but also be recognized for it.

- Prevalence of malnutrition
- Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population, based on the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)
- Prevalence of stunting (height-for-age <-2 standard deviation from the median of the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age
- Prevalence of malnutrition (weight-for-height >+2 or <-2 standard deviation from the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age, by type (wasting and overweight)

Promotion of the app through social media and TV channels → Population adopts the application and begins using it to obtain meals and take food safety courses → Population has more ease in studying and being socially active → Improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable population 

Marketing for local businesses to join the app and providing tutorials for its use → Companies recognize the ease of use of the application and join the project → Companies realize that food donation has improved the health of the population and increased the number of customers who also have this social responsibility → Promote a culture of companies that are more aware of food waste 

Promotion of the application through social media, TV channels, and through the partner establishments themselves → Access to daily quality food → Improvement of psychosocial aspects and nutritional and physical development indexes → Improves the health of the population with food insecurity

The app connects people facing food insecurity with restaurants, bakeries and snack bars that are donating excess food in order to avoid waste and feed those in need. Therefore, the person registers and provides their information that proves their need for help, such as: name, age, social security number and CAD unique - a federal government financial support registry, zip code (if available) as well as their location at the moment, and the application connects you with food-producing establishments that have registered meals to donate. 

In addition, when the restaurant registers the food for donation, they take a photo of it, allowing the person who desires to have access to the publication. From the photo, it is possible to access a description of the food that includes weight, manufacturing date, time to pick up the food, and location of the establishment that offers the meal. After accepting the donation, there is a stipulated time to pick up the food (determined by the donor) and it is possible to communicate directly with the establishment through messages to arrange delivery or other issues.

We are a diverse team, two of us are in college through government support. Additionally, we are mostly female and have 2 black members. We understand the importance of creating a diverse team as it facilitates understanding of the real needs of the population through a variety of individual experiences. Furthermore, we plan to reserve around 30% of the positions on our future team for minorities, as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen both the team and our projects.

Platform that connects people in hunger and vulnerability situations with resourceful companies (such as restaurants or supermarkets) that have good quality food that would otherwise be discarded, through a simple and intuitive app.

Revenue: 

The app will have a donations section for individuals or companies who wish to support the cause. Donations can also be made through partnerships with non-profit organizations. Include donation collection at partner establishments.

Target:

Low-income population: Impoverished and socially vulnerable individuals can register in the app to receive meals and food.

Restaurants, supermarkets, and food industries: Donations from these types of establishments will be collected, encouraging them to donate food that would otherwise be wasted through the app. 

Distribution channels: 

The app will direct registered individuals to donor establishments based on their geolocation. Thus, the beneficiary goes to the establishment to pick the donation up.

Moreover, companies can offer delivery options when they have a larger volume of food to donate (food baskets). 

Partnerships with nonprofit organizations: the app can establish partnerships with local organizations that work on food distribution for the needy population. These organizations can receive and distribute the food collected from restaurants and supermarkets.

Marketing

Encourage donor companies to do marketing for the app 

Create social media to publicize their initiatives and attract donors and partners. 

Promote awareness campaigns about food waste and the importance of donating to the needy population.

Costs and expenses: 

Development and maintenance of the application: the application will require investment in development and maintenance, as well as servers to support user traffic. 

Salaries and benefits for the team: the application may require a team to manage operations and partnerships, as well as carry out marketing and promotion activities. 

Infrastructure for distribution: the application may need investment in infrastructure to ensure the distribution of donated food, such as transportation vehicles and storage equipment.

Additional recurring costs: server hosting, technology maintenance and updates, software licenses, and team growth and marketing.

To develop a basic application with donation capture and food distribution capabilities, it is estimated that an initial investment of at least R$ 50,000.00 to R$ 100,000.00 will be required. 

Requirements analysis and prototyping: R$ 5,000.00 to R$ 15,000.00 

Interface design and graphic design: R$ 10,000.00 to R$ 20,000.00 

Application development for one platform (iOS or Android): R$ 20,000.00 to R$ 40,000.00 

Testing and quality: R$ 5,000.00 to R$ 10,000.00 Web platform development: R$ 10,000.00 to R$ 20,000.00

Increase revenue sources: 

Expand the number of partner restaurants, supermarkets, and food industries to increase the amount of donated food and, consequently, direct donations through the app and through customers at the establishment itself. 

Establish strategic partnerships with companies that wish to support the cause and offer sponsorships and donations in exchange for brand exposure;

Develop products or services related to the cause, such as workshops and lectures on reducing food waste, which can be sold to companies and individuals.

Reduce costs and expenses: 

Automate operational processes, such as donation collection, delivery scheduling, and communication with partners, to reduce the need to hire more employees; 

Establish partnerships with companies that can offer services for free or at a discount, such as hosting providers for the app or transportation services for food distribution;

 Constantly monitor and evaluate results: 

Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of adopted strategies, such as the number of donations collected, the amount of food distributed, and the revenue generated; 

Use data analysis tools to monitor the performance of the app and identify opportunities for real-time improvements; 

Conduct satisfaction surveys with users and partners to identify areas for improvement and ensure the quality of the service offered; 

Establish a clear business plan and periodically review it, adjusting strategies as necessary.

Until now, the project has been financially sustainable due to the fact that the programmer and other participants have been willing to work on the development of the platform without costs. The project has been promoted on a regional scale and some companies have shown interest in participating, although their identities have been kept confidential due to the testing phase of the platform. The fact that the project is being developed without funding and that companies can join without costs reinforces the project's commitment to achieving financial sustainability. While funding may be needed for marketing and boosting the project, coordination and data updating will be provided free of charge as it is a non-profit project.