Sep 28, 2015

Dont waste food, WhatsApp it to the poor

New mobile app tries to reduce food wastage at homes and hotels
Three software professionals, preparing for the civil services examination, are developing a mobile app to “feed the hungry and reduce food wastage.” While the mobile app will be developed in a fortnight, people have begun engaging with volunteers through WhatsApp.
For the past three weeks, Chennai residents have started offering their ‘extra food’ to the poor through the volunteers without wasting it.
“We are on a mission to end hunger. To giveaway your extra food, just send out a message and we will pick it up,” says Mohamed Asif, a team member, who resigned from software major IBM to prepare for the Union Public Service Commission examinations. The other two are Nareshwar Sivanesan and Fahd Khaleel. 
“Currently, we are getting food from households. People call us after a function to offer food. As a result, at least 1,000 homeless people get food every day. Volunteers offer help transport the food to the poor,” he says. At least 10 volunteers have joined. Over 10 per cent of the 5,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste generated in the city constitutes food waste.
The plan is to increase the number of beneficiaries to 10,000 people per day. “Food is a fundamental human right and it is staggering that in such a wealthy and powerful nation so many end up begging, while in our homes, restaurants, supermarkets, dining halls and offices, we waste so much. In order to reduce food wastage, all you have to do . is call, text, WhatsApp us on99625 18992 — and we will pick it up,” says Mr.Asif.

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