Together We Are Using Data to Do More

At Marquette University we’ve created an experiential learning pipeline where students apply what they’re learning in the classroom to projects for course credit, and gain real-world experience
working with a community partner. In the end, the community partner, in this case Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, gains access to cutting-edge data science techniques and project deliverables.

The focus of the work that we have done for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has been on partner pantry capacity to guide decision making for more equitable access to food. By combining
the pantry capacity data with census and order history data, we have created “The Historical and Capacity App.” This tailored app revealed six Wisconsin ZIP codes ideal for an ongoing equity
and dignity study. In these rural communities, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is implementing the Order Ahead program. Through this program, individuals who are facing food insecurity can go online to choose a pantry pickup location, view what food is in stock, register, and then pick up free groceries.

The program is designed to add dignity and ease for those seeking resources in a time of need. We continue to utilize the data to provide estimates of food needed for every Wisconsin
county (and ZIP code). We are using predictive analytics to generate probabilities of food shortages and quantifying the effect of inflation on food needed in rural communities.

We are thrilled our students are able to be a part of solving hunger!

Walter Bialkowski
Department of Computer Science at Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI