Foodprint, a mobile app that allows customers to purchase surplus food from eateries, is expanding to the South Island.
On March 21, it will debut in Nelson after being awarded a 10,000 dollar waste minimisation grant by the city council.
Approximately 20 eateries have already registered with Foodprint in Nelson and the Tasman district.
Originally launched in 2019, 350 businesses have joined the app, providing customers with the option to purchase their food that would otherwise go to waste for a discounted price.
Foodprint's founder and director, Michal Garvey, started the app after noticing that hospitality businesses were frequently left out of traditional food rescue services.
All food sold on the app is discounted by at least 30 percent off its original price, allowing consumers to purchase food at a reduced cost, while also preventing food waste and supporting local businesses.
Restaurants who have partnered with Foodprint told Garvey that the app allowed them to retain monetary value on items that would otherwise be discarded, while also minimising their food waste.
Foodprint is supported by Auckland Council, Wellington City Council, Nelson City Council, Christchurch City Council, Sprout and Creative HQ. The app has won a number of awards, including the Direct to Consumer Service of the Year at the Agtech Breakthrough Awards.
Globally, one third of all food that is made for human consumption goes to waste. When food ends up in landfill, it decomposes and emits methane, increasing the amount of greenhouse gases that end up in the atmosphere.
In New Zealand, food waste is a significant problem, with data indicating that almost 50,000 tonnes of food is wasted by the hospitality and retail sectors annually. More than 60 percent of this food is perfectly edible and could easily be avoided.
