Bobcat Bounty Inventory System

A comprehensive food pantry management system developed during Hackacat Nano at Texas State University, addressing food insecurity on campus through innovative technology solutions.

Overview

Developed during Hackacat Nano at Texas State University (7-hour hackathon), this project addresses food insecurity on campus through Bobcat Bounty, a student-run food pantry. The application features real-time inventory tracking, AI-powered recipe suggestions, and dietary information for food items.

The Problem

Food insecurity is a significant issue affecting college students nationwide. At Texas State University, many students struggle with reliable access to nutritious food, impacting their academic performance and overall well-being.

Our Solution

🏪 Real-time Inventory Management

Live tracking of food pantry stock levels
Automated alerts for low inventory items
Easy check-in/check-out system for volunteers
Historical data tracking for trend analysis

🤖 AI-Powered Recipe Suggestions

Intelligent recipe recommendations based on available ingredients
Dietary restriction considerations (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)
Nutritional information for suggested meals
Cooking difficulty and time estimates

📱 User-Friendly Interface

Intuitive design created with Figma
Mobile-responsive interface for on-the-go access
Simple navigation for both volunteers and students
Accessibility features for inclusive design

🗄️ Robust Database System

PostgreSQL with Neon for reliable data storage
Efficient querying for real-time updates
Secure data handling and privacy protection
Scalable architecture for growth

Technical Implementation

Frontend

React: Modern, component-based architecture
Responsive Design: Mobile-first approach for accessibility
Real-time Updates: Live data synchronization

Backend

PostgreSQL with Neon: Cloud-native database solution
RESTful API: Clean, maintainable backend architecture
Real-time Sync: Instant inventory updates

Design Process

Figma: Comprehensive UI/UX design system
User Research: Student and volunteer feedback integration
Iterative Design: Rapid prototyping and testing

Deployment

Replit: Rapid deployment and hosting
CI/CD: Automated testing and deployment pipeline

Hackathon Achievement

Created during the 7-hour Hackacat Nano hackathon, demonstrating:

Rapid Development: Full-stack application in under 7 hours
Team Collaboration: Effective coordination under time pressure
Problem-Solving: Real-world solution to campus food insecurity
Technical Excellence: Clean, functional implementation

Impact

For Students

Easy access to available food resources
Recipe suggestions to maximize nutrition from available items
Reduced food waste through better inventory management

For Volunteers

Streamlined inventory management process
Clear visibility into pantry needs and usage patterns
Efficient food distribution workflows

For the University

Data-driven insights into food insecurity patterns
Better resource allocation and planning
Enhanced support for student well-being

The project gained recognition on social media platforms, highlighting the importance of student-led initiatives in addressing food insecurity on college campuses.

Future Enhancements

Mobile app development for better accessibility
Integration with campus dining services
Expanded AI features for nutritional guidance
Partnership with local food banks and grocery stores
Analytics dashboard for administrators

This project demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to address real social issues while providing practical solutions that make a tangible difference in students' lives.