Technology with a heart

World Environment Day is a good reminder for us all to reflect on what we can do to protect our planet. At OzHarvest, we think about this every day and are constantly looking at new ways to tackle food waste and feed hungry people.

I’m still staggered that 5 million tonnes of food go to waste each year, while 4 million people need food relief. It makes no sense to think a local business can be throwing away perfectly edible food and just around the corner a charity is struggling to feed people in need.  OzHarvest is working hard to make sure we rescue as much good food as possible and get it to a network of charities, but our fleet of 55 vans only scratch the tip of the iceberg.

Innovation has to be part of the solution for halving food waste and addressing the ever-growing hunger crisis that effects so many families each year. Which is why I’m thrilled to announce something I think will make a real difference to people’s lives, especially in remote and regional communities where our vans can’t reach.

From today, the new OzHarvest Food App will be rolled out across the country to help grow our network of food donors and link them directly with local charities that can collect surplus food. Whilst digital technology powers the app to connect communities across the country, a dedicated team at OzHarvest will add the human touch to foster and build local relationships between people with food and people who go without.

After a successful pilot, we have already seen the value it can bring to local communities. One example is from a local charity called The Gathering in Humpty Doo, outside Darwin who told us before using the app it was very difficult to source a regular supply of fresh food. They are now collecting fresh fruit and veg, from the local Woolworths and even get meat which was a luxury before. As a result, people are getting back on their feet, some are even volunteering to give back -it’s sparked a real sense of community and they now have enough food to support the local community, 30 families in remote areas and the emergency accommodation.

I like to think of it as technology with a heart.

To support OzHarvest expand this technology across the country, please share this post and encourage local businesses and charities to sign up at https://www.ozharvest.org/foodapp/or as always financial donations keep our wheels turning https://events.ozharvest.org/winter-appeal-2019