Startup of the Week - FoodCloud

by Startacus Admin

Food waste has been in the news quite a bit recently with some supermarkets admitting that although we might all avail of their BOGOF offers, we more than likely end up throwing out that second ‘free’ item. 

Of course it’s not only us as personal consumers who are guilty of causing food waste - supermarkets themselves, restaurants, cafes and in fact all catering places and spaces are just as bad. It’s a major problem and it’s one which our latest startup of the week is seeking to address.

FoodCloud is an innovative Irish startup which links businesses that have surplus food to charities and community organisations - the perfect way to minimise waste.

It’s a fairly simple process:
Basically, businesses who register can either use the FoodCloud app or the site itself to upload details of any surplus food that they have and the time period in which it has to be collected. The app then will send a text message alerting the nearest community organisation or charity in that area. If they’re able to use the food, they can collect it directly from the donating business. If they can’t use the food, the offer is rejected and gets passed on to the next nearest organisation.

Simple huh? But like all good ideas - it’s one of those ones where you think “Why didn’t I think of that…?”

At the moment FoodCloud is limited in terms of the area it covers although there are plans to expand to all major towns and cities in Ireland.

As for international expansion? Who knows!

Here at Startacus we reckon that FoodCloud is something which could really work in bringing benefit to so many people in so many places, so we certainly hope that an international version is on the cards…

Like finding out about innovative new startups? Why not check out our previous Startup of the Week.

The Startacus Startup of the Week is supported by Rackspace, the global leader in cloud hosting. Rackspace are committed to helping startups and through the Rackspace Startup Program they offer selected tech startups a whole host of benefits including 12 months free Rackspace Cloud Hosting and Services. Further details on the Rackspace Startup Program can be found here.

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Published on: 23rd October 2013