I propose a lightweight mobile app that helps students plan affordable, healthy meals and build cooking confidence. The MVP will include a recipe cost estimator (using a small reviewed price list), a pantry & leftovers tracker with use-by reminders, simple “swap to save/healthify” suggestions (e.g., ingredient substitutions and cooking method tips), and a 3–5 day meal plan + shopping list generator. The focus is practical, privacy-respecting functionality with a clean, accessible UI. no heavy AI or external APIs will necessarily be required, but these could be implemented later.

Evaluation will be straightforward and ethical. A short usability study with students (task success/time and SUS), plus brief pre/post surveys on cooking self-efficacy and perceived food cost/waste. Deliverables will be the working app, a small price/nutrition dataset, and a concise write-up of methods and results.

Scope beyond the MVP (e.g., advanced recommendations) can be decided with a supervisor after an initial meeting.