By Cecilia Nasmith

Students aged 15 to 29 who are interested in developing mobile apps – and who are passionate about using their skills to make a difference in the community – are invited to register for Northumberland county's APPetite For Change Appathon taking place Nov. 15 and 16.

This is the county's first Open Data initiative following the launch of its Digital Strategy in August.

This appathon will encourage a community-driven innovation-based approach to addressing local food-security challenges. Participants will work in teams (whose make-up will be determined at the event) to build a mobile app or digital framework designed to help community members in need to access local food supports.

The county's Community and Social Services Department maintains resources about local food supports to share with clients, the county's press release said. Concepts developed at the appathon will highlight possibilities for further improving access to details about local food banks, community dinners, community gardens and other food-related resources.

At the end of the second day, each team will present its submission to a panel of judges that includes Cobourg Mayor (and county councillor) John Henderson, Northumberland chief administrative officer Jennifer Moore and Northumberland Director of Community and Social Services Lisa Horne. The prize will be a $100 Amazon gift card for each member of the winning team.

Northumberland County thanks Esri Canada for its sponsorship of this event, which will run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 15 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 16 at the county building (555 Courthouse Rd., Cobourg). The deadline to register is Nov. 8 – visit www.Northumberland.ca/appathon to sign up.