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WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today that a team including two Capital Region students from Niskayuna High School has won the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for New York’s 20th District for MealMatch, an app that addresses food insecurity by connecting people experiencing hunger with local food pantries, restaurants and individual donors who can provide food free of charge.

“This COVID-19 crisis has created unprecedented levels food insecurity, with millions of families across our nation experiencing hunger for the first time in their lives,” Congressman Tonko said. “With food banks overwhelmed by miles-long lines and more Americans than ever in need this holiday season, this MealMatch app could not come at a better time. I applaud not only the ingenuity of these students in their creative and technical skills developing this app, but am truly humbled by their compassion and desire to give back to those most in need. I am truly grateful to the MealMatch team for continuing their work to help our communities during this difficult time. And I congratulate all the students who participated in this year’s App Challenge and thank our judges for their work reviewing these impressive apps.”

"MealMatch seeks to alleviate hunger in these difficult times,” the MealMatch team said. “We believe that everyone should have a meal on the table for their family, regardless of their financial status. Through our application, we enable connections between private requesters and independent donors, organizations, or restaurants that can provide meals free of charge. By accounting for dietary necessities and enforcing strict privacy regulations, we ensure a safe and fulfilling experience."

MealMatch was first developed by Suhao Huang, Michael Barry, Kaushik Akula and Mohit Sahoo. They have since built out their team and expect their app to be available on Google Play and the App Store by the end of the 2020. MealMatch will then be subject to beta testers who can review the app and provide feedback ahead of its official release in January 2021.

Visit their website MealMatchUSA.org to learn more about the app development and how to get involved in beta testing. View the MealMatch team’s submission video explaining their app HERE.

The NY-20 App Challenge runner-up is Shenendehowa High School student, Emily Yin for her app, Pointdexer, a platform to streamline and simplify the process of tracking points required for members of various clubs and organizations, such as honor societies. View Emily’s submission video explaining Pointdexer HERE.

The Congressional App Challenge was created to encourage innovation and engagement in coding and computer science and STEM education. The App Challenge is open to all eligible middle and high school-aged students in the New York’s 20th Congressional District, regardless of coding experience This year’s applicants were judged by Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D., Senior Executive Officer at Capital Region BOCES.

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