Food waste is a serious problem. It is estimated that this is between 30 and 40 percent of the entire food supply in the United States, and nearly 80 billion pounds of wasted food per year. Instead of being composted or given to those who need it, that food is sent directly to landfills and takes up more space than any other type of waste.
It is estimated that every American throws away more than 219 pounds of food a year. If you contribute to reducing the cuts, it makes the biggest difference, and these services and programs make it easy. There are companies that send ‘ugly’ products to your door, which would go to waste, and programs that allow you to offer your time to transfer fresh food from grocery stores to those in need. Here are the best food waste programs and services to help you end your food waste for good.
The best food waste programs and services
1. Imperfect food
You never know what to expect when your Imperfect Foods box lands on your doorstep. You will find ‘ugly’ fruits and vegetables – items that would perish due to their imperfections. But instead of wasting it, they are sent to homes that know they are just as healthy and appreciate all the character they bring to meals.
2. Misfits mark
Misfits Market works with farmers to send organic and sustainable products to your home for up to 40 percent off what you would pay at the grocery store. It offers people affordable access to healthy food, as well as reducing food waste – it saves the “wrong fit” products that would be thrown away.
3. Too good to pass up
If you download Too Good To Go, you can start destroying meals from restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets. It works like this: After finding a store near you, place your order and then pick up your meal at a specific time. You will have a delicious meal at a cheap price, and you will save the food to go in the trash. Find it in the App Store or Google Play.
4. Hungry Harvest
Each delivery of Hungry Harvest saves at least 10 pounds of food on the waste. Not only that, but you also spend less on the fruits and vegetables than you would in a store. You can also not add other saved groceries to your order, such as coffee, grains, eggs, bread and canned goods.
5. Food Rescue Us
If you want to help reduce food waste on a larger scale, volunteer. This app uses technology to do the job. Volunteers use the app to transfer extra fresh food from grocery stores, restaurants and other sources to social services agencies that feed those in need. Find it in the App Store or Google Play.
6. Olio
If you do not like to throw out good food, OLIO can help. With the app, you can easily give away food and other household items to your neighbors. Not only does it help you clean your cupboards, but it also provides food that will be wasted to those who can use it. Find it in the App Store or Google Play.
7. Flashfood
With the Flashfood app, you can quickly find discounted food at grocery stores in your area. You can get everything at its “best before date” at a discounted price, and you can pay right through the app. It is currently available at select stores in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Find it in the App Store or Google Play.
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