How York College of Pennsylvania’s Hackathon Fostered a Real-World WIC Food Assistance App

Innovation in technology is often driven by the desire to solve tangible problems. A recent competition at York College of Pennsylvania perfectly illustrated this, demonstrating how student-led initiatives can address critical community needs. Computer Science major Chibudom Onyejesi developed a winning application designed to simplify the use of WIC nutritional benefits, turning a class assignment into a potential community resource.

This event highlights a growing trend in higher education: applying technical skills to civic-minded challenges. For students and professionals in technology, understanding the process behind such projects offers valuable insights into user-centric design and impactful development.

Identifying a Community Challenge Through Technology

The core of any successful project is a well-defined problem. The challenge presented at the York College hackathon was sponsored by the Urban Collaborative, an organization focused on helping nonprofits achieve sustainability. The specific task was to create an application supporting the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

According to Jessica Zartman, Director of the Urban Collaborative, the impetus for the challenge came directly from community feedback. She learned that WIC recipients often face significant barriers while shopping. These include confusion over which specific food items are approved, restrictions based on package size or brand, and language barriers for non-English speakers. The goal was to encourage students to build a tool rooted in empathy, one that could alleviate these real-world frustrations for families relying on these essential benefits.

Developing a Practical Solution: The WICBuy App

Chibudom “Ethan” Onyejesi, a first-time hackathon participant, took on this challenge independently. His resulting application, WICBuy, was designed to be a comprehensive tool for the entire WIC shopping experience. The app’s primary functions address the most common pain points for users:

• Benefit Management: Users can view their current monthly WIC monetary balances in one place.
• Product Verification: A core feature allows shoppers to scan a product’s barcode to instantly determine if it is an approved WIC item.
• Smart Alternatives: If a scanned item is not approved, the app provides visual suggestions for WIC-compliant alternatives, preventing wasted time and frustration at the checkout counter.
• Budget Control: The system prevents users from adding items that would exceed their remaining benefit balance.
• Accessibility: The app includes a browsable list of all WIC-eligible items, a store locator for approved retailers, and the ability to switch between different languages.

After 36 hours of development, WICBuy was selected as the winner from four groups that had chosen the WIC challenge. The project earned multiple awards and captured the attention of faculty and community partners who recognized its potential for real-world implementation.

The Broader Impact of Practical Application

For Onyejesi, the project was more than an academic exercise. It was a confidence-building experience that connected his technical skills with community service. “I learned there’s a lot I can do for my community with tech skills,” he noted. This sentiment reflects the value of academic programs that emphasize practical application. The experience also built upon his existing entrepreneurial efforts, which include a fitness app and a web development business.

The success of WICBuy has opened doors for further development. Onyejesi is in discussions with the Urban Collaborative about the project’s future, and other hackathon participants have also expressed interest in developing community-focused technology. This outcome demonstrates how academic competitions can serve as incubators for projects with lasting social value, fostering a pipeline of tech talent dedicated to solving civic problems.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Developers

The story of WICBuy offers several important lessons for students and professionals in the tech industry:

• Start with Empathy: The most effective solutions are built on a deep understanding of the user’s experience and challenges.
• Focus on a Niche Problem: Addressing a specific, well-defined problem can lead to a more robust and useful application than a generic solution.
• Participate in Challenges: Hackathons and similar competitions provide invaluable opportunities to test skills, build a portfolio, and connect with mentors and community partners.

Initiatives like the Hacks competition at York College of Pennsylvania are essential for bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world impact. They empower students to use their skills for social good, creating solutions that can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

If you are interested in learning more about how technology can be used to solve community challenges or want to explore programs that emphasize practical, project-based learning, we encourage you to seek out opportunities that align with these values.