Hacks4Health - Solving food and nutrition challenges with a hackathon

I was looking for some healthcare data sets and instead ran across this news release from the USDA. A hackathon was held last fall to solve real social problems related to health and nutrition including poverty and hunger, food deserts, and maternal/infant health.

hack·a·thon: noun, an event, typically lasting several days, in which a large number of people meet to engage in collaborative computer programming

Who were the winners?

• 1st Place – REMEDI’s innovation was a revolutionary app that tracks your personal medication schedule, and tells you where your medicine is available cheapest in your area. You can input the distance you wish to travel for the medication and the price you wish to pay, and the app will find the best fit. 
• 2nd Place – MAMA U hacked an approach to a reward-driven pregnancy education and governmental resource center for new expecting mothers. With the app, mothers have access to videos, articles and seminars in their area to help them along their journey and earn points towards reward coupons. 
• 3rd Place - #LeftoverShare has a social media platform designed with the mission of educating people about the intensity of the food waste problem. Shocking statements that put into perspective the food we throw away in the United States drives a great social purpose with the aim to do good.