Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/566723
CHANGING LANES 28 AUGUST 2015 // WWW.CHANGINGLANESDIGITAL.COM On The Road have straightforward objectives, with incentives for all involved. It's as simple as getting the right people connected and taking the food pantry technology to the level of the current day transportation industry's status is the first step. Most indigent food centers have very little, if any, upgraded technology. They lack websites and online accessibility, because the bulk of their monies go to feeding people. Something as basic as an app that allows these people to connect logistically on their cell phones to make it as easy (and profitable) to use the food as to dispose of it, can make a huge difference. The app was launched in March of this year, and here's how it works: The system, which is 100% free for both donors and charities to use, has two parts: a smartphone app (Android and iOS) and a web-based dashboard. Food Cowboy The Food Cowboy mobile app is available for Android and iOS devices. A shipper or driver simply enters information about an available donation, e.g., type, quantity, location, temperature, pickup time, etc. on the app or by logging in to the Food Cowboy website. The system then automatically searches for and alerts charities within 25 miles of the food's current location via email. If the food is on a truck, the user can enter and search near a forward location the truck may be heading to. When a charity accepts the donation (either online or using the app), the system sends the driver its address along with the warehouse manager's telephone number and information about parking, local truck stops, etc. (Only charities that can accommodate 18-wheelers are included in the system.) After the food has been transferred, a receipt is automatically generated and sent via email and both the donor and the charity can rate the transaction on a five-star scale or simply leave a comment, like "Thank you!" Donors can generate and download