Grain&Gather

Grain&Gather is a packaging and service design concept that provides essential food assistance to international refugees residing in urban areas. Every human should have access to essential food with dignity. Designed with both mental and physical well-being in mind, this project aims to make food assistance more accessible to newly arrived individuals, while removing barriers that currently hinder their ability to use these services today.

The packaging primarily uses recycled cardboard, featuring delightful colors to bring feelings of joy and comfort. The house-shaped grocery and pantry boxes are designed for utility, while also fostering a sense of home and inclusion for those far from their own homes. Each box side includes allergen warnings and information on special diets, conveyed through simple visual icons. This allows recipients to choose the most suitable diet-specific boxes, based on markings made by food bank volunteers. Colorful stickers are used to identify allergens in the packaged pantry food, seamlessly integrating with the operational process of inspecting and sorting donated products into boxes.

Additionally, two types of cards are included in each grocery box to extend care further: the first is a set of food- and city-themed postcards, each with a thoughtful message to gently welcome new neighbors. The second is a small loyalty punch card, designed to encourage those who may be hesitant to seek help due to stigma or fear of authority. This card invites them to access services at the nearest food bank without worrying about documentation.