Flashfood recently unveiled its second annual Impact Report titled “The Future of Food is Waste” at the ReFED 2024 Food Waste Solutions Summit. This comprehensive report underscores the critical need to reduce waste within the US food system, noting that while 44 million Americans face food insecurity, the country discards 145 billion meals annually. This stark contrast highlights that the actual need is only 48 billion meals annually to feed these individuals three meals a day, showcasing a tripling of waste beyond necessity.
Flashfood is a company dedicated to reducing food waste by connecting consumers with discounted groceries that are nearing their sell-by date, thus preventing perfectly good food from ending up in landfills. The report features an array of interviews with key industry figures such as Noreen Springstead, President and CEO of Partnership for a Healthier America; Dana Gunders, Executive Director of ReFED; and Ben Kuethe Oaks, Vice President of Customer Solutions and Success at Divert, Inc.
Nicholas Bertram, President and CEO of Flashfood, argues against viewing technology companies as competitors in the emerging waste tech industry.
“There’s a tendency for technology companies in an emerging industry to be framed as competitors, rather than collaborators,” he said in a statement. “The waste tech space is critical to the future of this planet, so I think that’s irresponsible. Our people and our climate depend on us to solve this problem.
“The aim of Flashfood’s annual impact report is not just to communicate our progress, but to offer research and insights the industry can benefit from, and to highlight other organizations we support. Through partnership I genuinely believe that the best days of humanity are ahead of us, not behind us, and I hope the industry can join me in this optimism.”
Flashfood: “The Future of Food is Waste”
Adding to the discussion, the report delves into the current produce crisis exacerbated by ongoing inflation. A Harris Poll survey conducted for Flashfood reveals that approximately 52% of Americans are now more inclined to utilize coupons or purchase store-brand products over name brands due to rising grocery costs.
This shift has nutritional implications, as maintaining a healthy diet now costs an additional $1.50 per day. Despite the critical need for fruits and vegetables, fewer than 10% of US residents meet the recommended dietary intake, while over 30 million tons of produce are discarded annually. Addressing this issue, Flashfood promotes its mixed produce box, which saved consumers over $13 million in 2023 by reducing food waste and improving access to nutritious food.
Furthermore, the report includes a case study on the utilization of SNAP EBT benefits on Flashfood, highlighting how food waste intersects with nutrition and produce consumption in the US. This study, along with other provided data, illustrates the significant role of technological innovations and community-focused solutions in tackling these pressing issues.
The Impact Report, designed by COOMER, a B Corp certified advertising agency, not only aims to share Flashfood’s advancements but also to foster industry-wide engagement through shared knowledge and resources. As Flashfood continues its mission to reduce food waste and enhance food security, it encourages other organizations to participate in this vital cause, reinforcing Bertram’s belief that humanity’s best days are still ahead.
To explore the full breadth of Flashfood’s insights and initiatives, the complete report is accessible on Flashfood’s website, inviting readers and industry stakeholders to engage with and contribute to these crucial sustainability efforts.
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