TerraTasteTrend wins Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez’s 2023 Congressional App Challenge in Puerto Rico’s At-Large District

When asked what inspired the creation of TerraTasteTrend, the students said, “Our inspiration for creating TerraTasteTrend stemmed from witnessing the immediate and pressing challenges of climate change, particularly in Puerto Rico. With increasing frequency and intensity of weather events such as heatwaves and heavy rains, we observed firsthand how these changes have dire consequences for agriculture.

During record hot growing seasons, crop yields have been diminishing, allowing invasive plant species to thrive at the expense of native and staple crops. This not only impacts the biodiversity of our ecosystems but also takes food away from the tables of millions. Research from the US Environmental Protection Agency suggests that by 2030, we might witness an alarming 4.5 times increase in crop and plant failure. In Puerto Rico, where banana, plantain, and coffee are staples and crucial for the local economy, these crops have shown to be particularly sensitive to climate changes.

Moreover, Puerto Rico, despite being surrounded by vast bodies of saltwater and being frequently hit by storms and hurricanes, faces an acute scarcity of freshwater. This ironic dilemma reduces crop yields, stresses plants leading to reduced nutritional value, and also affects livestock, diminishing their appetite, growth rates, and milk production.

Beyond the environmental challenges, Puerto Rico faces a pressing food security issue. Over 40% of our population is food insecure, a glaring indication that hunger isn’t just an environmental issue, but an equity and human problem. Given the size constraints of our island, roughly 110mi x 35mi, there’s simply not enough land to sustainably grow food for our population of approximately 3.2 million. Additional challenges include the lack of arable land, high energy costs, inhospitable weather, and diminishing freshwater supplies.

Observing these multifaceted challenges and understanding the urgency of the situation, we were compelled to find a solution. We believe that by making gardening and farming trendy, and by providing the necessary knowledge and support through TerraTasteTrend, we can empower individuals and communities to work towards restoring food security in Puerto Rico. Our hope is that our app serves as a beacon of resilience and a tool for self-sustenance in these changing times.”