5 Ways Technology is Changing the Tide of Food Waste

Food waste is a massive problem that affects our environment, economy, and communities. Every year, about one-third of all food produced globally goes to waste, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. But here’s the good news: technology is stepping in to help. From AI to food-sharing apps, innovative solutions are making it easier to prevent good food from going to waste. Here’s a closer look at five ways technology is making an impact.

1. AI and Data Analytics for Smarter Food Distribution

Artificial intelligence and data analytics are changing the game when it comes to food production and distribution. Instead of guessing how much food is needed, businesses can now use AI to analyze past trends and predict demand more accurately. Supermarkets can adjust their orders in real time, while farmers can better plan their harvests based on weather patterns and market trends.

At Last Mile Food Rescue, we’re working to harness the power of AI to improve how we track food rescues. By using generative AI, we’ll be able to track the weight of rescued food more accurately, keep better records, and report reliable data to our partners. This technology will help us optimize our rescue operations, ensuring that perfectly good food gets to people who need it rather than being wasted.

2. Smart Packaging and Sensors to Reduce Waste

Most of us have thrown out food because of confusing expiration labels, but what if your food packaging could tell you exactly when something is still good? Smart packaging and sensors do just that. These high-tech solutions monitor temperature, humidity, and freshness in real time, helping businesses and consumers waste less. Some packages even release natural preservatives to extend a product’s shelf life.

At Last Mile, we work with logistics companies that use smart sensors to detect when a truckload of food might need to be rerouted before reaching its original destination. This early detection helps us step in quickly to rescue and distribute fresh food, preventing it from ending up in landfills.

3. Food-Sharing and Rescue Apps

With millions of people experiencing food insecurity, food-sharing apps are stepping up to connect surplus food with those who need it. These apps allow individuals, restaurants, and grocery stores to list extra food that would otherwise go to waste.

Our app does exactly that. We connect businesses with surplus food to volunteers who transport it to nonprofits and food pantries. It’s a simple but powerful way to make sure good food is rescued and shared rather than thrown away.

4. Blockchain for a More Transparent Food Supply Chain

Blockchain is a digital system for recording transactions in a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof way. In the food industry, blockchain can track food from farm to table, ensuring it reaches the right places at the right time. For example, if perishable goods are approaching their expiration date, a blockchain-powered system could automatically trigger a redistribution effort to get them to communities in need.

Our data driven insights help food donors by providing data-driven insights to help tighten their product ordering and reduce overages. Many of our partners use our metrics to adjust their inventory, ensuring less food goes to waste in the first place. When combined with blockchain technology, the food industry can create a smarter, more efficient system that reduces waste and helps feed more people.

5. Automated Food Recycling and Composting

Not all food waste can be avoided, but even scraps and leftovers can be put to good use. Automated food recycling and composting systems break down food waste efficiently, turning it into compost or even biogas for renewable energy. Some composting systems now work in homes and businesses, making it easier than ever to recycle food waste instead of sending it to the landfill.

Last Mile collaborates with community partners who specialize in composting and biodigesters. If rescued food can’t be consumed, we work to ensure it’s still used sustainably, reducing landfill waste and supporting soil health.

A Future with Less Waste

Technology is giving us powerful new tools to combat food waste. AI helps us plan smarter, sensors and packaging help us waste less, and food-sharing apps connect surplus food with people who need it. With blockchain ensuring transparency and composting turning waste into something useful, we’re making big strides toward a more sustainable food system. The more businesses, organizations, and individuals embrace these innovations, the closer we get to a world where food waste is no longer the norm, but the exception.

How You Can Be A Part of the Change

You can be a part of these amazing initiatives right here in Cincinnati! Do you know a business that could benefit from Last Mile’s services to help reduce food waste & improve their ordering systems? Read here about how to become a food donor. Do you want to hit the road and join us as a volunteer? Learn how you can be come a food rescue hero here! If you want to collaborate with Last Mile in a bigger way, reach out to us to start the conversation! info@lastmilefood.org