Delivering Essential Nutrition: MSU’s Chen Tackles Food Insecurity Through Collaboration with Amazon AI and Local Food Banks

August 14, 2025 Alex Parker 0 Comments

Devin Chen stands in front of a projection of computer software code. — Devin Chen, a junior majoring in cybersecurity from Louisville, is crafting a machine-learning application aimed at tackling food insecurity in the state, thanks to a partnership with a Mississippi food network, AI tools from Amazon Web Services, and the expertise he’s gaining at Mississippi State. (Photo by Beth Wynn)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Devin Chen has come to appreciate how food unites people through his work at his parents’ restaurant in Louisville. Now, the junior studying cybersecurity is applying the skills he’s acquiring at Mississippi State, alongside artificial intelligence tools from Amazon Web Services and a collaboration with a broad nonprofit, to provide nourishment for those in need and address one of Mississippi’s most pressing challenges: food insecurity.

Chen is utilizing AWS Skill Builder to strategize and develop software that employs machine learning, enabling the Hattiesburg-based food bank Extra Table to identify needs more effectively and optimize its distributions using public data and its own inventory records.

The initiative is currently in its planning stage, but he aims to present a functional platform before 2026.

This month, Chen launched the nonprofit Mississippi Institute for Food Sustainability and Security, where he envisions expanding the project and forming a statewide network of distributors, farmers, stores, and other community partners who will collaborate and utilize the software within a unified system, effectively creating an AI-driven recognition and distribution network.

“In many areas of the state, one in five individuals faces some level of food insecurity. A major misconception is that it doesn’t impact those we know, but it could be your neighbor who greets you daily or a young girl in your community,” said Chen, who previously received the MSU Excellence in Community Engagement Award. “Having these conversations is vital now, as action begins with initiative, and initiative stems from dialogue.”

Devin Chen, right, and Danail Dimitrov pose in a kitchen with dumplings Chen made while on a trip to Bulgaria. — Chen, on the right, and Danail Dimitrov, a music major from Ackerman, showcase dumplings Chen crafted with local ingredients during a trip to Bulgaria in July. (Photo submitted)

“The challenge we face now is that everyone operates within their own framework, communicating in isolation,” Chen elaborated. “If we can align everyone, we can create a significant impact on the lives of countless Mississippians.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity is defined as a lack of sufficient food and dependable access to it. A 2020 report revealed that over 38 million Americans, including more than 11 million children, faced food insecurity that year, a figure consistent with 2019’s pre-pandemic data.

The inception of Chen’s project followed his attendance at MSU-organized conferences, such as the fourth annual AI in Agriculture conference hosted by the university’s Agricultural Autonomy Institute. Through another event led by the Association of Information Technology Professionals, he connected with Mark Scutch, a senior customer solutions manager at AWS, who subsequently invited Chen to an informal meeting with other AWS experts to explore his concepts and facilitate a connection with Extra Table.

“Initially, my thoughts on food insecurity were, ‘Why aren’t we resolving this immediately?’ However, as you investigate the situation, the complexities of the solutions become evident,” Chen remarked. “We’re addressing both physical and digital infrastructures. Many people don’t grasp how challenging it is to synchronize inventory with demand and transport food swiftly and effectively.”

“People often question my motivations for this endeavor or assert that rallying all these groups in the state is unattainable, which only fuels my determination,” he added. “When I encounter something others regard as too challenging, that signifies an unexplored opportunity. That’s my calling. You must begin somewhere; you can’t simply give up.”

As Chen forges stronger connections, he acknowledges the invaluable support he’s received from the university in launching this project, which has the potential to transform thousands of lives.

“The encouragement from classmates, faculty, and administration truly makes a difference. You hear about it, but experiencing it is remarkable. Every department I contacted about this initiative was incredibly supportive and motivating,” he stated. “There are numerous opportunities at MSU, and I urge my fellow Bulldogs to seize every chance they encounter during their journey here.”

Established in 2009, Extra Table procures and distributes healthy, shelf-stable food to its 66 partners throughout Mississippi without any cost to them. For additional details, visit www.extratable.org.

MSU’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity offers a specialized undergraduate curriculum focusing on cyber defense and operations. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, the program equips students like Chen with the necessary education to evaluate, comprehend, and resolve cybersecurity challenges.

MSU stands among the select institutions in the country authorized to provide this degree, encompassing both defensive and offensive strategies, and is distinctly qualified in the Southeast.

The MSU Department of Computer Science and Engineering can be explored online at www.cse.msstate.edu and is also present on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn at @csemsstate. For more on MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering, visit www.bagley.msstate.edu.