Food waste is a significant issue, with over one-third of the world’s annual food production going uneaten and contributing to 8% of global greenhouse emissions. In the United States, the average person wastes about $660 worth of food each year. While traditional methods like meal planning and purchasing imperfect produce can help reduce food waste, technology also plays a crucial role. There are several apps and services that are helping individuals and businesses tackle food waste effectively.
Food Rescue Hero is an app that mobilizes volunteers to transport surplus food to those in need. It matches food donations to nonprofits, coordinates a network of volunteers for transportation, and tracks data to measure impact. Too Good To Go allows restaurants and grocery stores to sell surplus food at a discount instead of throwing it away, while ShareWaste connects food scraps with local composters, worm farmers, and farmers. Olio is a local sharing app that connects neighbors to share excess food, and Foodprint Group helps hospitality businesses reduce food waste.
In addition, Goodr is a waste management and hunger relief company that partners with businesses to donate surplus food, and Food Rescue US engages volunteers to transfer fresh food surpluses to those in need. Save the Food provides web-based tools to help individuals reduce food waste at home.
These apps and services are making a significant impact in reducing food waste and are crucial in the ongoing efforts to combat this global issue.
