Every year, 1/3 of the 1.3 billion tons of food produced in the world is wasted (The Hunger Project). That’s where Chowberry comes in.
Chowberry is a social enterprise that seeks to provide affordable nutrition to disadvantaged groups or demographics, primarily using technology. Founder and CEO of Chowberry, Oscar Ekponimo, says this issue is near and dear to his heart since he grew up hungry and in a starved environment.
“A solution gravitates to where the problem is,” the software developer says.
Shalini, reporter for Uproxx, travels to the capital of Nigeria, Abuja, to meet with Ekponimo and learn a little bit more about this technology, namely, the app. So what is this Chowberry app and how does it help with the hunger problem or the food waste problem? Retailers can upload certain foods that are nearing expiration onto the app, starting at 90 days until expiration. The app will automatically help them track their shelves, and monitor the shelf life of each product uploaded. As it gets closer to a foods’ expiration date, the price will incrementally drop. So, when there are 15 days left until expiration, the price will have been reduced by 70%.
In 2016 alone, Chowberry helped feed 150 orphans monthly, and reached 200 homes through NGOs in poverty ridden communities.
