Eliminating Food Waste Gaining Worldwide Traction

Written by Mike Keane


Food Waste has been a regular problem that has not garnered enough attention in the past. With the help of some dedicated companies and groups, that attention level is being raised exponentially. There is evidence that from the local to the international levels, eliminating food waste is becoming a topic that powerful people are becoming more and more active.

Locally, there is a company named Zero Percent (website link here) that has created an app that connects food sources (restaurants, stores, warehouses, etc.) with shelters and food banks in order to alleviate the issue of food waste in Chicago. The company has been very successful being able to sign on some of the most recognizable restaurants (Lou Malnati's, Hannah's Bretzel, etc.) to use their app and assist in providing assistance to the area's food banks and shelters.

On a global scale, western Europe has seemed to take on this topic full steam of late. Recently, the French government has put in a law demanding that grocery stores donate unused expiring food (Huffington Post link here). Now Britain's largest retailer is getting in on the action. Tesco will be instituting a test program by having some of their stores donate unsold food to shelters (Huffington Post link here).

The exciting part of this growing area of interest is that less and less families will be hungry due to common sense values and focused action. There is even some value economically for those looking to create a business around the topic. If you are looking to participate, or just simply have an idea about eliminating food waste, feel free to reply or email keanevcc@gmail.com.

KVCC Person/Group of The Week 2/1-2/8 is Zero Percent

Each week, a person or group is promoted for their work in creating or improving a product or service. If Keane Venture Capital and Consulting has any relationship with the person or group, it will be disclosed. The weekly highlight does not mean that KVCC is recommending a purchase of a product or service. The article is not sanctioned by the individual or group.  

Recently, KVCC read a Fast Company article (link here) about the work of Zero Percent. They are a Chicago based start up. Their mission is to connect food sources (restaurants, etc.) with need centers (shelters) through its phone application.

KVCC believes that this use of innovation is exactly the example that needs to be followed and supported. For more information on Zero Percent and its team, led by Raj Karmani, you can go to their website (link here.)

Previous People or Groups of the week include Polar, John Legere and T-Mobile, Not Imposssible Labs and Time, Good Guide,AngelList, Patagonia, Blackrock Group, and Nest.