Food waste is generating quite a lot of interest as of late; but one buzzword that might give “food waste” a run for its money is blockchain. (Alright, food waste is two words, but stick with me.) Companies around the world are starting to play with this nascent technology to explore how it can help make the food supply chain more transparent, safe, and efficient.
Atlanta-based startup Goodr is one company combining these two trending areas, using blockchain as a tool to redistribute food waste from businesses (such as office cafeterias) to those struggling with hunger. Goodr founder and CEO Jasmine Crowe will be speaking about how her company is leveraging emerging tech to power their mission at the Smart Kitchen Summit (SKS) this October. Since it’s only a few weeks away (!), we’re giving you a sneak peek into Crowe’s mission to use analytics, blockchain, and IRS-friendly donation records to eliminate food waste — one city at a time.
Read the full Q&A below:
For those who don’t know, give us a brief overview of what you’re working on at Goodr.
Goodr is a sustainable waste management platform that leverages technology to reduce food waste and combat hunger. We provide an end-to-end solution for businesses seeking to reduce their overall waste, save money and empower their local community. Our platform provides the logistics, analytics, and security for businesses to earn deductions under the PATH act in compliance with the Internal Revenue Services (IRS).
You’ve stated before that hunger isn’t a scarcity issue, it’s a logistics issue. Explain what you mean, and how Goodr is helping to solve the issue.
Absolutely, there is more than enough food — we just have to get it to people. Goodr views hunger as a solvable logistical problem and not an issue of resource scarcity. American consumers waste 161 billion pounds of food every year, and food waste takes up an estimated 28% of landfills. In America, Food Waste has tripled since 1970. Goodr redirects edible food waste away from landfills to fill the stomachs of the many Americans who are food insecure.
As technology improves, where is there room for growth and improvement in terms of reduction in hunger and food waste?
I believe we are WAY past time to be using technology to solve real problems. I believe that there is substantial room for growth in this space from the farm to the table.
Blockchain is a huge buzzword right now. How are you leveraging this emerging technology in your company?
Yes, it is a huge buzzword but we have made a very good use case for it in the day-to-day work of Goodr. Our technology coordinates the collection and distribution of food donations. Unlike our competitors, Goodr’s platform also provides an IRS audit-friendly donation record, real-time food waste analytics, and community impact reports thanks to blockchain.
What’s next for Goodr?
Our goal is to be in 20 cities by the end of 2020, so we are looking at massive expansion and helping more companies and cities be food waste and hunger-free.
Want to hear Jasmine Crowe speak more about how blockchain can be used to reduce both food waste and hunger? Join us at the Smart Kitchen Summit in Seattle on October 8-9th — tickets here.
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