AI Meets Food Security: Mississippi State Student Tackles Hunger with Amazon-Powered Solution
When innovation meets compassion, remarkable things happen. At Mississippi State University, junior cybersecurity major Devin Chen is using artificial intelligence to take on one of Mississippi’s biggest challenges — food insecurity.
The Project
Partnering with Extra Table, a Hattiesburg-based nonprofit food bank, Chen is developing a machine-learning platform to pinpoint areas of greatest need and optimize distribution routes. By combining publicly available data with the organization’s own inventory records, the system aims to ensure food reaches the people who need it most — faster, with less waste.
This isn’t just a class assignment. Chen has launched the Mississippi Institute for Food Sustainability and Security, with the goal of connecting distributors, farmers, stores, and community partners into a single AI-powered communication and coordination network.
The Need
According to the USDA, one in five Mississippians experiences some level of food insecurity. Chen wants to break down the silos that keep organizations working separately. “If we can get everyone on the same page,” he says, “we can make a massive difference in the lives of thousands of Mississippians.”
The Tech Behind the Mission
Using AWS Skill Builder and Amazon Web Services’ machine-learning tools, Chen is designing software capable of recognizing patterns in supply and demand. The concept grew out of events like MSU’s AI in Agriculture Conference and a chance meeting with AWS senior staff. While still in development, the platform is expected to be operational before 2026.
Why It Matters
- Data-Driven Decisions: Matching food availability to demand in real time.
- Statewide Collaboration: Creating a unified platform for food producers and distributors.
- Efficiency & Equity: Reducing waste while reaching more people in need.
Commentary
This project is a powerful example of how AI can go beyond corporate optimization and entertainment content to solve human-centered problems. By treating distribution challenges as both a logistics puzzle and a community-building opportunity, Chen is blending technology with empathy — a combination that could inspire similar initiatives nationwide.
However, integrating so many independent organizations onto one platform will require not only technical skill but also trust, training, and sustained funding. The challenge will be as much about people and policy as it is about code and servers.
Learn More
- Full Mississippi State University Newsroom Article
- Extra Table — Healthy, shelf-stable food distribution across Mississippi
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