ReFood

What is your product and who is it for?

ReFood is an app that allows you to share excess food with those in your community who need it most.

What inspired your idea, and why is it important to you?

We have always got left-over food in the fridge or freezer or tins in the cupboard that we just never use. It’s often too much effort to give these to food banks, so we end up throwing the food away. With ReFood, we can put the food up on the app quickly for people to pick up. It is designed to be easy and convenient, not a chore. We can then give the food to those in need.

How does your product solve the problem?

Anyone can donate. The app shows users the food in their area. They can select food, see its location, pick a collect time and reserve it. If the user can’t visit the offered location, they can propose another. Donor approving, that location is used instead. Both the donor and the user then confirm receipt. We’re also supporting food banks and so show a map of them in the app. Our app solves both the problem of food waste and food poverty. It acts as a complement to food banks and helps people who may need food but not have the confidence to ask for formal help. It can provide an ad-hoc service for short-term needs, whilst the food banks serve longer-term needs.

Why should your product win its category and why should people vote for you in the People’s Choice Award?

We are quite surprised that we reached the finals and it has only made us believe in our idea more. If this were something everyone used, food waste would decrease and people wouldn’t have to go without food. If people vote for us, it should be because they agree with our goals and believe in the project, feeling that our app could be used by them.