Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

FoodShare+ is an innovative platform that addresses food wastage and hunger through surplus food redistribution. It connects food donors with food recipients through a mobile app.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

FoodShare+ is a groundbreaking initiative focused on transforming how Africa addresses food wastage and hunger. Our mission is to create a sustainable solution that connects food donors, such as restaurants and retailers, with food-insecure individuals and communities. By efficiently redistributing surplus food, we tackle the pressing issues of food scarcity and wastage simultaneously. Our approach not only provides immediate relief to those in need but also promotes long-term economic stability and environmental sustainability. Through FoodShare+, we aim to foster a culture of generosity and resourcefulness, ensuring that valuable food resources are utilized effectively to benefit society as a whole.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

In Africa, the paradox of widespread hunger alongside significant food wastage is a critical issue. Despite abundant food resources, 250 million people suffer from chronic hunger, making it the region with the highest rates of undernourishment. Annually, about one-third of the food produced in Africa is wasted, especially in restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets, exacerbating food insecurity and environmental degradation. This wastage results in great economic losses and immediate attention is needed to address this complex challenge.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1. Enhanced Community Well-being: Our service significantly improves the well-being of the community by ensuring that surplus food is redirected to those in need. This reduces food insecurity, enhances nutrition, and supports vulnerable populations, contributing to a healthier and more resilient society. 2. Economic Efficiency: By redirecting surplus food to those who need it, we reduce the economic burden on both food donors and recipients. Businesses save on disposal costs while supporting social causes, and food-insecure individuals benefit from reduced food expenses, boosting local economic stability. 3. Environmental Impact: Our service reduces food wastage, which in turn decreases the overall carbon footprint associated with food production and disposal. This contributes to a more sustainable environment, helping to mitigate issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and land overuse.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our startup's product is aimed at serving vulnerable communities who are food-insecure. The targeted beneficiaries include food donors who have surplus but do not know the right person to distribute it to. Additionally, we target individuals in arid and semi-arid (ASAL) regions, refugees, people in warzones, internally displaced persons (IDPs), children with disabilities, those with chronic illnesses, and children living in slums. Our goal is to provide these groups with consistent access to nutritious food, addressing their immediate and future needs and improving their overall well-being.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-01-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Lucy Sigadah: Lucy is a skilled data analyst, with a passion for social impact and community development. She excels in analyzing complex data sets to drive positive change, particularly in addressing food insecurity and poverty. Her commitment to social causes and data-driven strategies makes her an invaluable asset to our team. Job Karani: Job is skilled in web, database, and application development, driven by a passion for addressing societal challenges and enhancing life through modern technologies. He is an ardent advocate for climate action, integrating sustainable practices into tech solutions. Nicholas Mugambi: Nicholas has expertise in web development, technical writing, and cloud management. As a tech introvert and innovator, he has a self-driven passion for developing user-centric and environmentally-conscious tech solutions. He believes in turning ideas into impactful solutions and investing in tech to create a better future.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

http://www.foodshareplus.africa

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Our startup directly addresses poverty by providing surplus food to vulnerable communities. By reducing food costs for those in need, we improve their financial stability, enabling them to allocate limited resources to other essential needs such as education and healthcare. This approach helps lift individuals out of poverty and creates a foundation for sustainable economic growth and improved living standards.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our platform facilitates the redistribution of surplus food to food-insecure individuals and communities, ensuring consistent access to nutritious meals. By combating food wastage and addressing hunger, we help achieve food security and improve nutrition. This contributes significantly to reducing hunger in our targeted regions.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

By ensuring access to nutritious food, our startup supports the overall health and well-being of food-insecure populations. Proper nutrition is essential for preventing malnutrition, stunted growth, and chronic diseases. Our efforts help improve physical health and cognitive development, particularly among children, leading to healthier communities.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

By alleviating food insecurity, we enable children to attend school regularly and concentrate better on their studies. Proper nutrition is critical for cognitive development and academic performance. Additionally, our community engagement programs include educational components about nutrition and sustainable practices, promoting lifelong learning.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

3

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Our platform creates job opportunities in logistics, technology, and community engagement. By supporting local economies and reducing food wastage, we promote sustainable economic growth. Our training programs equip individuals with skills needed for productive employment in the food distribution sector.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Our innovative platform leverages technology to optimize the rescue of surplus food and distribution. By using blockchain for transparency and creating efficient logistics networks, we enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable industrial practices. This fosters innovation and builds resilient systems to address food insecurity.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

We target marginalized and vulnerable communities, ensuring equitable access to food resources. By addressing food insecurity in underserved areas, we help reduce social and economic inequalities, promoting inclusivity and fairness. Our efforts support disadvantaged groups, improving their quality of life and opportunities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

By redistributing surplus food locally, we reduce wastage and promote sustainability in urban and rural areas. Our platform enhances food security and supports the development of resilient, inclusive communities. We engage local stakeholders to create sustainable food systems and improve community well-being.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Our platform actively promotes sustainable consumption by redirecting surplus food to those in need, reducing the overall food wastage. This practice supports a circular economy, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and wastage is minimized. We also encourage responsible consumption through educational programs that train on efficient consumption and storage of food.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

By reducing the rates of food wastage, our startup lowers greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production and disposal. Our sustainable practices contribute to climate action by minimizing the environmental impact of food systems. We also educate communities on the importance of sustainable climate-friendly behaviors hence contributing significantly to this goal.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Our efforts to reduce food wastage contribute to sustainable land use by lowering the demand for agricultural expansion. This helps to protect natural habitats and biodiversity. Additionally, by promoting responsible food consumption, we support the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and the sustainable management of resources.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Our platform fosters community collaboration and equitable distribution of resources, promoting social cohesion and inclusivity of all people. By addressing food insecurity, we help reduce tensions and conflicts over resources. Our transparent and accountable operations also ensure we build trust and support strong, inclusive institutions.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

We collaborate with local governments, NGOs, and businesses to enhance food distribution and security. Our partnerships amplify impact, share resources, and foster innovation. By working together, we strengthen the means of implementation and contribute to the global effort to achieve the SDGs.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

5

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

4

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our startup distinguishes itself by effectively addressing gaps in food redistribution using a unique approach. We prioritize transparency and efficiency in our operations, setting us apart from competitors. Our focus on user engagement and community impact ensures that we directly address food insecurity challenges. By adopting innovative methods, we aim to make a significant contribution to sustainable food practices. Our commitment to these principles ensures that our startup not only meets market expectations but also exceeds them, promising a substantial positive impact on food security and community welfare.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors include traditional food banks and existing food rescue platforms. However, we differentiate ourselves by leveraging advanced technology to enhance transparency and accountability in food redistribution. Our direct connection model through a user-friendly mobile app facilitates efficient donor-to-recipient interaction, hence minimizing food wastage. Moreover, our emphasis on community engagement through feedback mechanisms builds trust and drives continuous improvements. These strategic elements collectively position us uniquely in the market, offering a novel solution to both food insecurity and waste reduction challenges.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?