From Waste to Worth: Enhancing Access to Edible Surplus Food Using a Mobile App for Better Distribution

Food waste remains a pressing global issue, with tons of edible food discarded daily while many communities continue to struggle with food insecurity. This research explores an innovative solution to bridge that gap by developing a mobile application designed to facilitate the redistribution of surplus yet still-consumable food. The app connects food donors such as restaurants, supermarkets, and households. Through user-friendly features like real-time food listings, pickup scheduling, and geo-location services, the app aims to simplify and streamline the donation process. The research combines design thinking methods, community engagement, and technology integration to create an accessible and sustainable food-sharing platform. Early user testing and feedback indicate increased efficiency in food redistribution and a positive social impact within participating communities. Beyond addressing food waste, the project promotes a culture of sharing, environmental consciousness, and social responsibility. This approach not only reduces the environmental burden of food waste but also fosters collaboration among stakeholders. By turning potential waste into a valuable resource, this study demonstrates how digital innovation can be a powerful tool in promoting food equity and sustainability.