VenMeal

We are tackling food insecurity among college students by providing healthy and affordable meals and snacks at convenient locations around campus. Although universities have dining halls and cafes, these establishments serve meals that are often overpriced and offer limited healthy options. They are also usually located away from where students are studying or in class. 

We plan to acquire a vending machine that stores meals and snacks and place it at a convenient location on campus. We are partnered with a local nonprofit who will provide us with affordable and healthy meals. We plan to acquire healthy and affordable snacks from brands such as Trader Joe’s.

Our vending machines will provide meals and snacks to university students, as well as to faculty and staff. With our vending machine nearby, they will be able to save time and money, as well as have healthier options than what is currently available, which will improve their overall well-being.

We are a group of college students at the University of Michigan, and some of us have experienced food insecurity. We and the people we know encounter a lack of affordable and healthy options close to where we are on campus. 

We are applying for funds to buy a vending machine, and we have already found a community partner to supply us with healthy and affordable meals.

Since our solution is in the Concept stage, we hope to document our progress this year by submitting our solution, as well as let others know about our work.

As of April 22, 2024, we have 3 people on our team.

We started working on our solution in March 2024, so it has been a little over a month.

We plan to release a survey to students to get as much feedback on our project as possible.