FreeFood: Bridging the Gap Between Excess and Need
Reducing Food Waste & Fighting Hunger

by Oliver Guzman

A Note About the Presenter
I am a 100% disabled veteran with combat related PTSD, hearing and vision loss.
I am currently at 30% of my normal vision on both eyes and have light sensitivity due to an eye surgery I had on Friday.
Please keep this in mind when asking questions or before shouting or making sudden movements.
About the Developer
Oliver Guzman
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Moved to Miami in 2016.

- Certified Tactical Combat Casualty Care Instructor.
- Certified National Rifle Association Range Safety Officer
Military Service
Graduated in 2019 and joined the military in 2020, Deployed to Niger, Africa in September 2023 and returned in August 2024. Helped solve hunger in the region and experienced its consequences firsthand.
Application Developer and Reverse Engineer
Developed Applications to aid in Military Operations during service. Reverse Engineered Existing Solutions to develop patches to existing ancient apps.
Achievements
Received Air and Space Achievement Medal, Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal and many more.
Oliver Guzman is a dedicated developer with a diverse background, combining military service with technical skills to create innovative solutions.
The Problem & Solution
Food Waste
Tons of food wasted daily in the US. Approximately 40% of food produced in the United States goes uneaten.
In Miami-Dade County alone, hundreds of tons of edible food are discarded each day by restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses.
Hunger
Millions struggle to access food. Over 34 million people in the US, including 9 million children, experience food insecurity.
In Miami, 1 in 6 individuals and 1 in 4 children face hunger daily, struggling to afford nutritious meals.
How FreeFood Works
For Community Members
1
1. Open FreeFood App
Locate available food donations
2
2. Find Restaurant
Navigate to the restaurant offering food
3
3. Pick Up Food
Receive donated surplus food for free
For Restaurants
1
1. Donate Surplus Food
List available surplus food on the app
2
2. FreeFood App
Notifies potential recipients
3
3. Food Picked Up
Community members or organizations pick up food
Impact & Feasibility
Combats Hunger
Connects surplus food with people in need, reducing food insecurity.
Reduces Waste
Diverts edible food from landfills, minimizing environmental impact.
Strengthens Community
Fosters collaboration and support among local businesses and residents.
Community Leaderboard
Recognizes top food donors, encouraging more participation and increasing donations.
FreeFood Demo
Open Map
Locate nearby restaurants
Pick Restaurant
View available food and select
Navigate & Pickup
Go to restaurant to collect food
Challenges & Future Plans
Challenges
  • Initial Bolt issues
  • Accuracy of food availability
  • Scaling the platform
Personal Challenges Overcome
  • Balancing development with health recovery.
  • Maintaining project momentum during difficult times.
Future Plans
  • Enhanced filters
  • Automated communication
  • Community donations
  • Personal profiles
  • Leaderboards & Rewards
Conclusion & Q&A
FreeFood empowers communities to fight hunger & reduce waste. We welcome your questions!
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