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0 pointssamstave10y ago0 comments

I want to add the following idea, which I have mentioned here on HN several times:

I humbly submit this as my solo-founder, idea-only HN application;

The Standard Pantry.

The standard pantry is literally just that - a pantry of a set of basic ingredients that go along with a range of standard recipes and a weekly menu schedule.

Provide this standard pantry as a partially subsidized offering and teach people how to make a set menu from the basics. Certain components used are refilled at a regular interval as a part of the standard pantry - other ingredients will still need to be purchased, perhaps in conjunction with basic income.

The goal is to help people cook, themselves, more healthy and affordable meals. and overall increase their quality of life.

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When I was first learning the basics of cooking from my grandmother, she used to be able to tell me to the penny the cost of each meal we cooked. How some dishes were "$1.43 per person" etc...

It drove home to me the value of cooking and not wasting food.

Cooking is therapy as well. eating well / better is good for every aspect of life.

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3 comments · 3 top-level

dublinben10y ago

It can be hard to cook a proper meal for yourself when you work three jobs, don't have a full kitchen in your home, move on a regular basis, etc.

If only it were so easy.

wavefunction10y ago

I am working on an app in this area which I envision as a free app available for anyone, and especially those on food assistance programs. Because these programs are administered on a state-by-state basis, the "onboarding process" for people joining these programs is non-uniform, but I envision the case-workers or government employees who are enrolling people in these programs can also let them know about the app and assist people in downloading and installing it. I am currently developing it on weekend free-time.

The app will offer recipes geared towards cheap, healthy and delicious food. I am interested in encouraging better nutrition, budget economy, and assistive technology to people who may not have much in the way of experience or skill in selecting groceries, meal planning, or nutrition.

Starting February 1st, I will be living off the amount offered by US food assistance, which comes out to $6.25 a day at max. I am interested to see if I can do this, and I intend to "bootstrap" from "nothing: I am planning to use a portion of my food budget for the purchase of cooking implements and utensils. I have spent January buying various provisions so I can get a better gauge on what I will realistically be able to accomplish and when. For instance, the first week I will purchase staples like rice and fruits and vegetables, along with olive oil and butter and salt and pepper. Some provisions will span multiple weekly budgets while others will require weekly replenishment, like fresh fruits and vegetables or meat.

My father had to go on food assistance for half a year, a few years back, so this is an issue that is near and dear to me. He is fairly educated and already owned a fully provisioned kitchen but there are many people who may not and could use some help.

I plan to "show HN" when it's complete.

ap2221310y ago

...which requires surplus energy and sufficient free time

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