CUNY SPH student wins Swipe Out Hunger pitch competition

This fall, Healthy CUNY and Swipe Out Hunger partnered for their first ever pitch competition in search of innovative solutions to food insecurity across CUNY campuses to create lasting change in their communities.

After a competitive process, the organizations selected two winners including Plentiful, a free, easy-to-use reservation system for food pantries and the people they serve. MPH student Vanson Lee pitched the project, which he helped develop and conceptualize along with his team at the Food Assistance Collaborative. Through the Plentiful app, people can find pantries and get the food they need without waiting in line, Lee says. Food pantries get better data, are more organized, and provide better service.

“As a CUNY student, I know what it’s like to be both pressed for time and to feel the social and economic stigma of looking to food pantries,” Lee said. “Plentiful on CUNY campuses will provide a dignified experience in utilizing pantries and be more efficient for the student population who is hungry to learn and shouldn’t be worried about meeting their basic food needs.”