The app, called “Food Rescue,” is designed to connect restaurants and cafes with consumers who are willing to purchase surplus food at discounted prices. It operates on a “buy now, pay later” model, allowing consumers to purchase food at a fraction of the original price. “Food Rescue” aims to address the issue of food waste by diverting surplus food from landfills and promoting sustainable consumption practices.

This waste is equivalent to 10% of the total food produced in the country. This staggering amount of food waste translates into a significant economic loss, with an estimated $14 billion in wasted resources annually. The consequences of food waste extend beyond economic losses.

Too Good to Go launched in Denmark in 2016 and has since registered more than 100 million users in more than 18 countries. It has helped to save more than 350 million meals from going to waste globally to date. The app will only be available across Victoria initially, but there are hopes for a national expansion later down the line. Reducing food waste The launch comes amid a growing focus on reducing waste across Australia, with other social impact organisations such as OzHarvest and Foodbank signing their own partnerships with supermarkets and other retailers to ensure goods are diverted from landfill.

Hetherington argues that the problem is not just about throwing away food, but about the entire food system. The food system is a complex web of interconnected actors, processes, and resources that contribute to the food we eat. This system includes everything from farmers and producers to retailers, consumers, and even the infrastructure that supports food production and distribution.

The average person throws away a significant amount of food each year, contributing to environmental and economic waste. Food waste is a major problem, and reducing it is crucial for sustainability. Simple strategies like meal planning, utilizing the freezer, and preserving food can significantly reduce food waste.