Published in El Pais, 15 September 2020.
Food waste has always been a major problem no matter what part of the world you live in. In the US the average American throws out $320 worth of food every year. So, you could only imagine the amount grocery stores throw out once food hits the expiry date. One application called FlashFood wants to help reduce the amount of unsold food that goes into landfills and put them on your table.
The idea is rather simple. Grocery stores take food that is close to the date of expiry and sell it on the application at a discounted price. Users can purchase the food and pick it up at their grocery store. The customer gets the food at a reduced price, the grocery store sells products that would most likely be thrown away. A real win-win.
At first glance this app has what seems like an obvious flaw, all this does is encourage people to buy food that they themselves will throw out as it will expire before they have a chance to eat it but that will not necessarily be the case. Of course, you can freeze the produce but it is worth noting that the expiration date itself is very controversial. Many studies have shown that most food does not expire until a few days past the date labeled and manufacturers push the date up to reduce liability and increase sales by encouraging people to simply throw out and replace the product. With that in mind those who choose to use this application will likely have a few days to consume the food before having to worry.
The app of course is not available everywhere but given the socio economic implications of reducing food waste and making things more affordable (especially during the pandemic) grocery chains should be eager to work with this app (or any copycats that will inevitably arrive) and governments should do what they can (such as tax breaks) to encourage them to come to their country.
With job losses mounting around the world every penny counts so any application that helps you save should always be welcome with open arms.
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