In a world where nearly 40% of produced food goes to waste, Knead Technologies has emerged as a trailblazer, revolutionizing the fight against food waste (Parfitt et al., 2021, p. 6). With their innovative logistics solutions, this software development company is redefining how food rescue organizations operate worldwide. By seamlessly connecting food generators with food recovery agencies, Knead Technologies is at the forefront of a transformative movement that aims to tackle the pressing issue of global food waste. With a focus on leveraging technology to streamline operations, Knead Technologies empowers food rescue organizations to maximize their impact, reduce food waste, and ensure the efficient redistribution of food to those in need.
IT BEGAN WITH BREAD AT A BAKERY
Knead Technologies traces its roots back to a charitable foundation. It all began when Co-Founder Lourdes Juan rescued 200 pounds of bread from a local bakery and delivered it to an emergency shelter, feeding over 3000 people in the process. This transformative experience inspired Lourdes to establish the Leftovers Foundation, now one of Canada’s largest food rescue charities. As the organization grew, so did the need for efficient logistics and data-driven decision-making.
Recognizing the importance of automation and data analysis in tackling the challenges of food transportation, community mobilization, and food safety standards, the team at Knead Technologies embarked on a mission to develop technology solutions. They acquired the necessary expertise and technology, working on a full IP transfer from the foundation, and are now focused on developing the white label app that can be customized and utilized by other food rescue organizations and food redirectors.
ADDRESSING A GLOBAL CHALLENGE WITH COMMUNITYMINDED INNOVATION
The scale of the food waste problem is staggering. Worldwide, approximately 900 million tonnes of food are wasted annually (Parfitt et. al, 2021, p. 6). Knead Technologies recognizes that the issue lies not in a shortage of food but rather in a lack of effective food redistribution. To bridge this gap, the Knead Tech app acts as a powerful connector between food generators, such as restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, and food recovery agencies which include individuals, businesses, and organizations.
Knead Tech’s innovative app revolutionizes the food rescue process, offering scalability, customized impact measurement, and robust health and safety data collection. Through the app, food donors and recipients can seamlessly connect, while volunteers and staff play a crucial role in the logistics by signing up and coordinating their efforts. The app collects valuable data, enabling non-profit organizations to streamline their processes, measure their progress, and establish safe food handling operations. Furthermore, Knead Technologies is actively developing AI capabilities to assist with donor recipient matching, route optimization, trend identification, and more.
RESHAPING THE FOOD RESCUE LANDSCAPE
Knead Technologies offers a white-label solution that allows food rescue organizations to enhance their brand, optimize operations, and quantify their impact effectively. By providing user-friendly and customizable technology, Knead Technologies enables organizations to adopt affordable, standardized, and efficient logistics models without requiring significant capital investment.
Co-Founder Lourdes explains that “Knead Technologies is driven by a mission to address pressing social and environmental issues. By leveraging technology, our app helps redirect millions of dollars’ worth of food to service agencies, ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious meals.” Simultaneously, this approach significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by diverting food from landfills. Every pound of rescued food contributes to a more sustainable future, combating both food inequity and climate change.
Knead Technologies represents a paradigm shift in the fight against food waste. By leveraging innovative technology and a commitment to data-driven decision-making, Knead Technologies equips food rescue organizations with the tools they need to make a tangible difference. Their team is spearheading the transformation of the food rescue landscape, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT TOWARDS ZERO WASTE
By utilizing Knead Technologies’ user-friendly app, individuals can effectively contribute to the battle against food waste through the agencies supported by Knead. By connecting food generators and food recovery agencies, the app offers an accessible platform for anyone to contribute. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, grocery store manager, or an individual passionate about making a difference, Knead Technologies provides the tools to rescue surplus food and redirect it to those in need.
Knead Technologies is revolutionizing the food rescue landscape by combining cutting-edge technology with a passion for positive change. Their app and customizable solutions empower food rescue organizations to make a significant impact on global challenges, including food inequity and climate change. By joining forces with Knead Technologies, we can all play a role in reducing food waste, nourishing communities, and creating a more sustainable future.
REFERENCE
Parfitt, J., Brockhaus A., Croker, T. 2021. Driven to waste: The global Impact of food loss and waste on farms. WWF-UK. . https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/6yoepbekgh_wwf_uk__driven_to_waste___the_global_impact_of_food_loss_and_waste_on_farms.pdf?
