INDIANAPOLIS — Since the February launch of the Community Compass platform — a multi-platform tool connecting Marion County residents with information to access food assistance — app developers have provided updates to reach a broader audience and make the app more user-friendly. The platform is now available in Spanish, and the mobile app is equipped with a filtering option and feedback component for user efficiency. The City of Indianapolis partnered with Indy Hunger Network and Level Up Development to release Community Compass earlier this year.
The filtering function allows users to immediately identify food assistance locations that best meet their needs by sorting results based on distance from their location, zip code, or location hours. Users can also select specific days of the week or only view locations that are open in real time.
The feedback function was added to gain input from users on how to improve the app. Users can send responses and provide details, such as adding resources not currently included, correcting information, providing suggestions for additional features, or sending feedback for technical issues.
Since the launch, nearly 10,000 people have used the Community Compass app to access information on local food pantries, hot meal sites, farmer’s markets, and qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and other federal nutrition programs.
The app is available in the App Store on iPhone and Google Play on Android. Community Compass is also on Facebook at @communitycompassapp.