Innovative AI Solution for Food Pantries in Disaster Response

In the wake of natural disasters, families, particularly those already at risk of food insecurity, often struggle to access essential resources. To address this pressing issue, researchers from the University of Houston (UH) are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to create an online resource designed specifically for food pantries. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that aid efficiently reaches families in need.

Funding for Disaster Response Initiatives

On June 18, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced the award of nearly $1.2 million to UH and three other institutions. This funding is targeted at tackling challenges related to disaster response following the devastation caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida last fall.

UH will utilize $300,000 of this grant to develop a user-friendly website that features an AI-driven dashboard tailored for food pantries across Florida. This innovative tool is expected to alleviate communication hurdles and improve resource distribution, with future plans to extend support to areas like Houston.

Building on Past Experiences

According to Ioannis Kakadiaris, the principal investigator and a professor of computer science at UH’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the project draws upon valuable experiences from Hurricane Harvey in 2017. “We expect the lessons learned in Florida will bolster our disaster response capabilities back home in Houston,” Kakadiaris stated.

Functionality of the AI Dashboard

The proposed system will empower food pantry leaders to send out SMS text messages detailing their immediate food and supply needs after a disaster. The AI technology will then prioritize these requests on the dashboard, facilitating a swift response from emergency coordinators when demand surges.

“Our AI system can automatically and efficiently process large volumes of status reports, enabling quicker reactions in critical situations,” Kakadiaris added. Support provided through this system could range from food and water to first aid and other emergency supplies, making it adaptable to various disaster scenarios.

“We want the tool to be entirely flexible, so it can adjust to handle different types of damage or disasters, whether that be fires or other emergencies,” noted Marcus Sammer, an application developer for the project at Kakadiaris’ Computational Biomedicine Lab.

The Importance of This Initiative

According to a recent USDA report, approximately 13.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity at least once in 2023, an increase from 12.8% in 2022. This underscores the necessity of Kakadiaris’ team’s efforts since disasters significantly exacerbate food insecurity. Events such as power outages, floods, and wildfires can displace families and limit access to crucial resources, including food.

This project builds upon Kakadiaris’ prior successes, which include two earlier grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation totaling over $2.2 million since 2021, aimed at developing AI-centric food security solutions.

Upcoming Steps and Community Engagement

Throughout the one-year study, the UH research team will engage with various stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current communication systems in place. A pilot version of the AI dashboard is set to be available to Florida food pantries by September, allowing for testing and valuable feedback.

In Kakadiaris’ words, “Our job is to explore what challenges need to be addressed with technology, and we hope that our team or others will build upon this foundation.”