Cook | Connect | Create
In collaboration with Marsha Angkasa, Beyer Bullard, and Mollie Harreys
Challenge:
Help college students who have recently moved out cut down on food waste and grocery costs.
Outcome:
A recipe-sharing app that helps users cook with existing ingredients while prioritizing community support.
Cook new recipes and save your favorites.​
Connect with others. Send and post recipes and cooking hacks.​
Create dishes. Input ingredients from your fridge and get corresponding recipes.
Research Setting
Research was conducted on a small scale at Northeastern University
Preliminary Research:
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An Email interview with Northeastern's Director of Materials and Recycling revealed that Northeastern collected 843 tons of food waste in 2022. Of that waste, only non-contaminated compost is dropped off at nearby farm.
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​Student Survey​:
An online questionnaire of Northeastern students highlighted 3 key pain points:​
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Students are interested in reducing food waste but don't want to expend extra time and energy.
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Students overestimate the amount of food they need.
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Students face challenges when it comes to cooking skills, time, and budget.
Summary and Synthesis:
Our research revealed an unproductive cycle that Northeastern students encounter when managing food.
​Students shop without a plan, are unhappy with what they buy, and end up throwing away expired goods, just to end up back in the store.
NUFood breaks the cycle
Helps users use extra ingredients before restocking
Supports simple cooking and takes time and budget into account
Encourages intentional planning before grocery shopping
