Daniel Self

Daniel Self is a fourth-year computer engineering student at San Diego State University who is combating food waste here on campus. Alongside co-founder Gavin Bartow, Daniel launched Second Course, a startup dedicated to reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity issues.

Daniel’s mission is deeply personal and purposeful. During his time in college, he experienced homelessness which forced him to pause his education and struggle with finding the right nutrition. This experience, combined with his involvement in the Lavin Entrepreneurship Program and Social Venture Challenge through SDSU ZIP Launchpad, led to the creation of Second Course.

This platform diverts leftover food from campus events to students for free. Not only is this redirecting food waste from the landfill, it is also increasing access to free food for students. Learn more about how the app works here.

Second Course has already made a significant impact. They received third place in the SDSU Social Venture Challenge, and have already diverted over 100 pounds of food from the landfill, going directly to students. 

As Daniel prepares to graduate, his vision for Second Course is only growing.

“We would love to be a tool that different entities can use to make sure that they're contributing to a sustainable future...we need to have a clean environment to live in,” Daniel shares.

Daniel and Gavin hope to spread their platform to other San Diego colleges, and eventually other campuses within the CSU system, and beyond. The goal is to reach a milestone of 10,000 pounds of food rescued.

Second Course is an incredible example of how student innovation can lead to meaningful change within our communities.