Blog
Creating the Blue Jay Pantry Website
04/17/2024
In the heart of Elizabethtown College, a team of four dedicated individuals came together with a singular mission: to combat food insecurity among students. As part of this team, we embarked on a journey that not only taught us the value of collaboration but also led to the creation of the Blue Jay Pantry website, a beacon of hope for students facing hunger.
Food insecurity is a pressing issue on college campuses across the nation, and Elizabethtown College is no exception. Recognizing this need, we set out to establish a pantry that would not only provide essential nourishment but also uphold dignity and privacy for every student in need. Thus, the Blue Jay Pantry was born, with a commitment to accessibility, hospitality, and healthy meal options.
Our initial challenges were significant. Inventory management was manual, cumbersome, and prone to errors. Temperature monitoring for food safety compliance was archaic, relying on rudimentary methods. But we didn't let these obstacles deter us. Instead, we leveraged technology to streamline operations and enhance user experience.
One of our key achievements was the development of a user-friendly sign-up form for first-time users. This form collects essential information efficiently, allowing us to track usage and better understand the needs of our community. Additionally, we implemented an inventory management system that enables administrators to track expiration dates, add or remove items, and generate graphical reports for informed decision-making.
But perhaps the most significant innovation was the integration of a temperature sensor into our system. By utilizing a Raspberry Pi Zero W and a DHT22 sensor, we automated temperature monitoring, ensuring food safety compliance with real-time data updates.
Throughout this journey, we relied heavily on GitHub to manage our project, enabling seamless collaboration and version control. While we encountered challenges, such as merge conflicts, along the way, the benefits far outweighed the setbacks. GitHub facilitated communication, streamlined workflows, and preserved our project history.
As we reflect on our experience, we are filled with a sense of pride and optimism. The Blue Jay Pantry website is not just a software solution; it's a testament to the power of innovation and compassion. Our hope is that it will not only simplify pantry operations but also foster a stronger sense of community and support among students.
In conclusion, the Blue Jay Pantry website represents a significant step forward in the fight against food insecurity. By leveraging technology and collaboration, we are not only addressing an immediate need but also laying the foundation for a more compassionate and inclusive campus community. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our fellow Blue Jays.