LeftoverChef | Devpost

LeftoverChef Poster

Inspiration

LeftOverChef was born out of a desire to combat food waste in a practical and user-friendly way. We wanted to create a tool that not only helps individuals make the most out of their leftover ingredients but also promotes sustainability and reduces the environmental impact of food waste.

What it does

LeftOverChef is a mobile app that helps users minimize food waste by transforming leftover ingredients into delicious meals. With a simple snap of a photo, the app detects the ingredients in the image and generates a variety of recipe options. Users can explore new recipes, reduce waste, and make the most out of their food supplies effortlessly.

How we built it

LeftOverChef was developed using a combination of Java for the backend, Firebase for the database, Google Search API for recipe sourcing, and a Computer Vision API for ingredient detection. We integrated the ChatGPT API to provide interactive and personalized recipe suggestions. The app is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring a seamless experience for users.

Challenges we ran into

One of the major challenges we faced was ensuring the accuracy of the ingredient detection through the Computer Vision API. We also had to fine-tune the recipe generation algorithm to provide relevant and diverse options based on the available ingredients. Balancing the app's performance with the rich feature set was another hurdle we successfully overcame.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We are proud of creating an app that not only addresses a significant environmental issue but also provides real value to users. Our successful integration of multiple APIs to deliver a cohesive and efficient solution is a major accomplishment. Additionally, the positive feedback from initial users who found the app helpful and easy to use has been incredibly rewarding.

What we learned

Through this project, we learned the importance of seamless integration between various technologies and the need for continuous testing and refinement to enhance user experience. We also gained insights into user behavior and preferences, which helped us improve the app's functionality and relevance.

What's next for LeftOverChef

We plan to expand LeftOverChef's capabilities by incorporating more advanced features such as personalized meal planning, nutritional information, and community sharing options. We also aim to enhance the accuracy of ingredient detection and explore partnerships with local food banks and sustainability organizations to amplify our impact. Our vision is to make LeftOverChef a go-to solution for reducing food waste globally.