Student Competition 2024
NourishTank is an annual student competition to foster innovation, collaboration, and sustainable solutions to combat hunger. The mission is to provide a platform for emerging entrepreneurs and change-makers to showcase and support groundbreaking ideas that tackle food insecurity and malnutrition. Through a SharkTank-style event, we aim to inspire, empower, and invest in hunger solutions that create lasting impact, ensuring a nourished and food-secure future for all.
This year, the student competition will take place as the culminating event at the Utah State University Food Security and Solutions Symposium.
Application
Are you passionate about conquering food insecurity and improving nutrition among vulnerable populations? The USU Hunger Solutions Institute invites you to develop an innovative and sustainable solution and enter in the 2025 NourishTank student competition.
Five teams will be selected to present their ideas at the competition. A panel of judges will choose one team as the grand prize winner. First place award is $1000 and the possibility to enact their plan with assistance from Hunger Solutions Institute. First runner-up receives $500, and the remaining teams leave with a $200 cash prize. This year's theme is Policy, System, and Environment Change.
You can learn about the application here, then submit your final proposal below.
Apply Here
Brainstorming Tool
If you're new to proposal writing or could use some help solidifying your ideas, you can download this brainstorming worksheet. It will walk you through the process of creating a smart and thorough NourishTank proposal.
Worksheet Download
Judges' Rubric
An astute panel of five judges has been assembled to hear the student proposals. Representatives from USU Administration, Farm Bureau, Dairy West, and the Utah State Senate will decide the winners.Josh Soffe
FJ Management, Director
Kenneth White
USU, CAAS Dean, Vice President, Professor
Sahara Hayes
Utah House Representative, District 32
Rashel Clark
Dairy West, Health & Wellness Manager
Spencer Gibbons
Utah Farm Bureau Federation, CEO
See the Judges Rubric
Important Dates |
|
|---|---|
| Competition Opens (Application Available) | February 1, 2025 |
| Q & A Session | February 26, 2025; Watch the 2023 Q & A Session Recording |
| USU Spring Break | March 10-14, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | March 16, 2025, Midnight |
| Five Finalists Announced | March 28, 2025 |
| NourishTank Event | April 17, 2025 at the USU Food Security & Solutions Symposium, 3pm |
| Winner Announced | April 17, 2025 at the USU Food Security & Solutions Symposium, 4:30pm |
For more information, please contact Lea Palmer or Palak Gupta.
Special thanks to the 2023 NourishTank sponsors.
