FFood waste is a serious problem. It is estimated to be between 30 to 40 percent of the entire food supply in the United States and almost 80 billion pounds of food waste each year. Instead of being composted or given to those in need, this food is sent directly to landfills and takes up more space than any other type of waste.
It is estimated that each American throws more than 100 kg of food a year. Doing your part to reduce makes all the difference, and these services and applications help make it easier. There are companies that send “ugly” products to your door that would have been wasted and apps that allow you to give your time to transfer fresh food from supermarkets to those in need. Here are the best food waste apps and services to help you do your part to end food waste forever.
The best food waste apps and services
1. Imperfect foods
You never know what to expect when your Imperfect Foods box arrives at your door. You will find “ugly” fruits and vegetables – items that would have been wasted because of their imperfections. But instead of going to waste, they are sent to homes that know they are equally healthy and appreciate all the character they bring to meals.
2. Misfits Market
Misfits Market works with farmers to send organic and sustainable products to your home with up to 40% discount on what you would pay at the supermarket. This provides people with affordable access to healthy food, as well as reducing food waste – rescues “misfit” products that would have been thrown away.
3. Very good to go
By downloading Too Good To Go, you can start to prevent meals from restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets from being wasted. It works like this: after finding a store near you, place your order and then pick up your meal at a specified time. You will have a perfectly delicious meal for a low price and will prevent this food from going to waste. Find it on the App Store or Google Play.
4. Hungry harvest
Each delivery of Hungry Harvest prevents at least 5 kilos of food from being wasted. In addition, you are also spending less on these fruits and vegetables than at a store. You can also add other redeemed staples to your order, such as coffee, beans, eggs, bread and canned goods.
5. Food rescues us
If you want to help reduce food waste on a larger scale, volunteer. This app uses technology to get the job done. Volunteers use the app to transfer any extra fresh food from supermarkets, restaurants and other sources to social service agencies that feed those in need. Find it on the App Store or Google Play.
6. Olio
If you hate throwing out good food, OLIO can help. With the app, you can easily distribute food and other household items to your neighbors. This not only helps you to clean your cabinets, it also provides food that would be wasted for those who could use them. Find it on the App Store or Google Play.
7. Flashfood
The Flashfood app allows you to quickly find discounted foods at supermarkets in your area. You can score anything that is approaching “best before date” at a discounted price, and you can pay directly through the app. It is currently available in select stores in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Find it on the App Store or Google Play.
For more healthy recipes and cooking ideas from our community, join Well + Good’s Cook With Us group.