As aspiring software developers, we have been working with a client who is committed to making a difference and meeting an unfulfilled need. Our task has been to develop software that aligns with their goals and meets the needs of the populations they serve. Our client, a freshman majoring in Biology and Business at UNC Chapel Hill, recognized the inaccessibility of dining for a large community. Approximately 32 million people in the United States alone are affected by food allergies, but popular food delivery applications lack the initiative to accommodate people with allergies. Without accessible options to filter or select food with certain allergens, dining has become more difficult and inaccessible. Our client had the idea of creating an application that would solve this very problem: SafeEats would provide streamlined and accessible dining to those with food allergies.
The project we are working on will revolutionize online food ordering and delivery applications by helping provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding menu items and the ingredients they are made with. The software we are developing will enable users to better search for food based on their personal food allergies and preferences. By automatically parsing menus of fast food restaurants and local restaurants, we can cross reference menu items with user inputted food preferences to deliver a fast and easy way for users to dine.
The need that we are meeting is a fundamental one – ensuring that the food allergen population has access to a basic need, food. Our client is committed to addressing these systemic issues and providing assistance to those who are in need. The work that we are doing will have a significant impact on the client’s ability to achieve their goals. By creating a functional and user-friendly application, our client can aim to serve more users, create partnerships with restaurants and existing delivery services, and better advocate for the inclusion and accommodation of the population with food allergies.
In conclusion, the software development project we are working on is aligned with the goals and values of the client we are serving. By meeting the fundamental need of providing easy and safe ways to dine for people with food allergies, we are making a difference in people’s lives.