LindaBen Foundation Partners with University of Maryland in $5M Initiative to Fight Against Food Insecurity while Reducing Food Waste

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Prince George’s County, Maryland — As part of a national movement to combat food insecurity and reduce food waste, LindaBen Foundation proudly announces its active role in the development of the NourishNet solution, spearheaded by University of Maryland. NourishNet features Quantum Nose, a portable and user-friendly food quality sensor that can detect early-stage food spoilage, and FoodLoops, a real-time app to optimize surplus food distribution to food insecure people.

Maryland faces pressing challenges, with 1 in 10 of its residents experiencing food insecurity, a situation exacerbated in vulnerable communities. The NourishNet Toolbox, a multidisciplinary effort and partnership, bolstered by a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation will look to solve complex challenges around food and nutrition security. The project will unite a network of producers, donors, distributors, and those who are hungry to fill food pantries with fresh produce and reduce food waste.

“The LindaBen Foundation is excited to act as active contributor during user experience development and testing process by elevating the voices of nonprofit food assistance providers and beneficiaries, food gleaning team and partner donor agencies in Maryland through this funding from NSF,” stated Anna Beavan, Founder and Executive Director of LindaBen Foundation.

In Maryland, where nearly 927,000 tons of food are wasted annually, the potential environmental and social benefits of this project are immense. By reducing food waste, NourishNet aims to significantly cut down on the state’s CO2 emissions and conserve millions of gallons of water, contributing to a healthier planet and population.

Guided by Professor Stephanie Lansing of UMD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the NourishNet Team secured the funding via the NSF Convergence Accelerator Track J, focusing on Food & Nutrition Security.

“We are so thrilled to receive Phase 2 funding from the Convergence Accelerator which gives us the resources to create new connective tissue between consumers, producers, donors/distributors, and institutions,” said Lansing. “This project has several ambitious goals, but our main focus is to deploy NourishNet on a national scale to increase food accessibility for all populations and reduce spoilage to build a more sustainable and responsible food system.”

During Phase 2, NourishNet aims to achieve vital goals such as initiating the toolbox’s direct sales and distribution, finalizing its financial marketing and business development strategies, and broadening educational efforts for consumers at food pantries and universities nationwide. New collaborations will be established with partners like ChowMatch, the LindaBen Foundation, SCS Engineers, and Well Said Media, enhancing the groundwork laid in Phase 1 with Prince George’s County Food Equity Council.

In line with the goals of Track J, the NSF is dedicated to revolutionizing food systems across the country, guaranteeing everyone can get healthy, safe, and reasonably priced food, and advocating for environmentally friendly farming methods.

“Our collaboration is not just about innovation; it’s about creating real, measurable impacts—reducing annual food waste and ensuring every Marylander has access to nutritious food,” Anna said.

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About the LindaBen Foundation:

Based in Maryland, the LindaBen Foundation is a public charity, 501 (c)(3) community-based organization and a public-school partner committed to eliminating food insecurity and enhancing environmental sustainability through innovative projects and solutions. We provide sustainable healthy access to food, nutrition education, access to community garden, and wrap around services that address social determinants of health (SDOH). By advocating for access to healthy, safe, and affordable food, the Foundation strives to make a significant impact on the lives of Marylanders and beyond.  For more information on LindaBen programs and services, visit www.lindabenfoundation.org and follow us on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook.

About the National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator:

Launched in 2019, the NSF Convergence Accelerator — a TIP program — accelerates solutions toward societal and economic impact through multidisciplinary teams using convergence research fundamentals and innovation processes. For more information, visit new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/convergence-accelerator.

About the National Institute of Food and Agriculture:

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and extension across the nation to make transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges. To learn more about NIFA’s impact on agricultural science, visit  www.nifa.usda.gov/impacts.