LOW-COST, NUTRITIOUS HOLIDAY MEAL KIT

Day 9 
CHALLENGE OVERVIEW:
This engineering design challenge focuses on creating a low-cost, nutritious holiday meal kit for families in need. In a world where food insecurity remains a critical issue, this challenge aims to make the holiday season more inclusive and joyful for everyone.
CHALLENGE STATEMENT:
Participants are tasked with designing a holiday meal kit that is both affordable and nutritious, catering to the dietary needs and constraints of underprivileged families. The challenge also involves enlisting family members to help assemble and distribute these kits, fostering a sense of community and empathy.
BACKGROUND/SCENARIO:
Drawing inspiration from the children's picture book "Stone Soup" by Jon J. Muth, which tells a story about sharing and community, this challenge places participants in a scenario where they must consider budget constraints, nutritional requirements, and the logistics of distribution. The goal is to ensure that the joy of a holiday meal can be shared by all, regardless of economic status.
CHALLENGE CATEGORIES:

1. Nutritional Planning: Designing a meal that is well-balanced, nutritious, and caters to common dietary restrictions.
2. Cost-Effective Sourcing: Identifying and sourcing ingredients that are affordable yet high in nutritional value.
3. Packaging and Distribution: Developing eco-friendly packaging and an efficient distribution system.
4. Community Engagement: Strategies for involving family members in the assembly and distribution of meal kits, and for reaching out to families in need.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

• Recipe and Nutritional Information: Provide a detailed recipe, including nutritional information for the meal kit.
• Budget Analysis: Submit a cost analysis of the meal kit, demonstrating affordability.
• Packaging Design: Illustrate and describe eco-friendly and practical packaging solutions.
• Distribution Plan: Outline a plan for assembling and distributing the meal kits, including family involvement.
• Documentation: All submissions should be accompanied by a written report explaining the design process and choices.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

• Nutritional Value: The nutritional quality and balance of the meal.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Affordability of the meal kit without compromising on nutritional value.
• Innovation in Packaging and Distribution: Creativity and practicality in packaging and distribution methods.
• Community Impact: The potential impact on families in need and the effectiveness of involving the community in the project.