Connecting Food is an online platform that aims to help NGOs in Brazil improve and innovate their current food collection system, which will in turn fulfill the needs of thousands of Brazilian people who struggle with hunger. In order to accomplish this, Connecting Food brings together technology, education and a system of "social franchise" to connect large retailers with Brazilian NGOs and reduce the social, economic and environmental impact of food waste in Brazil.
In Brazil, 26 million tons of food are wasted every year. The largest supermarkets throw away approximately 2.4 billion reais worth amount of expired food every year. In Brazil, the biggest problem of food donation is never food availability; it is the lack of access to food. Large retailers are often not willing to donate their excess food to NGOs because of a lack of trust. At the same time, NGOs also lack a mature food collection mechanism that can effectively drive food donations.
Connecting Food is an website and an application that connects food donors with NGOs. It provides reports for tracking the current location of food donations and where and which food products are being wasted. A program is also carried out to raise awareness and promote social entrepreneurship within established NGOs. In addition, all users of Connecting Food would join in a "social franchise" network, which has an education program focused on nutrition and the best practices of food processing.
In Brazil, less than 0.3% of surplus food is donated while more than 5,000 NGOs count on food donations to support those in need. By matching large retailers with NGOs, Connecting Food efficiently reduces food waste and the harm done to environment by irresponsible disposal of wasted food. Connecting Food also brings to light the importance of food donations and therefore increases the potential of feeding millions of people in Brazil who are in a constant fight against hunger.
