The Thought for Food Challenge is an annual competition in which students submit innovative ideas for a better food system. One of this year’s five finalists is CrOpportunity, proposing a new food label that certifies products meeting food security standards.
CrOpportunity was started by four students at the University of Nebraska. Team member Chris Proctor developed a desire to use his graduate training in agronomy in a meaningful way after spending time in South Africa and French Polynesia. While working for World Vision Cambodia, fellow team member Justin Van Wart saw a crucial need for improved exchange of information between the industrialized and developing world. Inspired by these experiences, they teamed up with Tobi Louw, a chemical engineer, and Zach Christensen, an app developer whose previous projects include Pickit, an app generating funding for charities through local businesses.
The four aim to bridge the gap between Western overconsumption and hunger in the developing world by certifying and labeling products that have a positive impact on local nutrition, and food security in the developing world.
Proctor explains that “simplicity was our main inspiration. Our goal is to make it convenient for people in developed countries to make a difference in their own health as well as in the wellbeing of those in developing countries.”
The team sees the TFF Challenge as a springboard launching them to the next phase, and regardless of the outcome they will continue pursuing the idea. Look for certified food secure products in local supermarkets soon!
