Donate-A-Plate explores ways for restaurants to reduce waste and potentially save money using a technology-based solution and an awareness campaign that focuses on reducing food waste and help food insecurity.
Purpose of
the Study
To help restaurants save money and resources and redistribute their surplus and go zero waste by using the Donate a Plate program. At the same time educate the public about food waste.
The Problem
Ninety-two percent of American restaurants serve oversized portions of food. Approximately 85% of the food not used in a typical American restaurant gets thrown out, while only a small percentage is recycled or donated. With more than 42 million food-insecure people in the United States, including 11 million children, this amount of food waste is a significant problem.
In a typical American restaurant that amount of food gets thrown out, while only a small percentage is recycled or donated.
Including 11 million children, this amount of food waste is a significant problem.
Additionally, all the resources associated with the manufacturing, transportation, production, packaging and distribution are wasted too.
