St. Bonaventure University Project Explores AI’s Impact on Food Insecurity and Healthcare
A collaborative project at St. Bonaventure University is shedding light on the complex relationship between artificial intelligence, food insecurity, and healthcare, culminating in a compelling documentary released in December. The initiative, funded by a $3,000 Keenan Grant, brought together students and faculty from the Schools of Health Professions, Arts & Sciences, and the Jandoli School of Communication for a unique interdisciplinary experience.
The semester-long project challenged students to critically examine both the potential benefits and inherent limitations of AI in addressing real-world nutrition challenges. Students in nutrition courses were tasked with developing AI-generated, seven-day meal plans tailored for lower-income families, specifically accounting for chronic health conditions within those households.
In a groundbreaking experiential component, students then lived on the meal plans created by their peers, documenting the practical realities of food access, cost, preparation time, and nutritional value. “This project exposed students to the pitfalls and promise of AI use in healthcare-related nutrition counseling,” a senior official stated. “By actually living with these meal plans, students confronted the realities of food insecurity and the ethical responsibilities that come with using AI in health professions.”
The project’s scope extended beyond nutritional science thanks to the involvement of the Jandoli School of Communication. Students in a field production course documented the entire process, from initial discussions to the public screening of the finished 15-minute documentary on December 10th. “Danny’s students produced a 15-minute documentary about the semester, and it is beautifully done,” a senior official said. “It really tells a story about how we at St. Bonaventure set ourselves apart.”
Adding a crucial ethical dimension, Dr. Heather McDivitt, an assistant professor of Philosophy, guided discussions on the values that influence food choices and the broader implications of integrating AI into everyday decision-making. She reviewed student work, participated in focus groups, and attended the documentary’s public viewing. “It was a fabulous experience,” McDivitt noted. “Conversations about food, values and technology are essential as AI becomes more integrated into everyday decision-making.”
The project exemplifies St. Bonaventure’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on learning, and ethical reflection—core tenets of its Franciscan tradition. By combining applied science, storytelling, and philosophical inquiry, students gained a deeper understanding of how emerging technologies impact vulnerable populations and professional practice.
St. Bonaventure University, the nation’s first Franciscan university, continues to distinguish itself through innovative academic programs. The university was recently ranked #8 for value and #19 overall among 167 regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report (2025). This project underscores the university’s dedication to transforming students into engaged citizens prepared to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving world.
