Eat Cloud: Pioneering Food Redistribution Innovation in Colombia
Every year, the world wastes around 931 million tons of food, an amount that could feed 1.26 billion people, according to the United Nations. This global issue is far from insurmountable, and a shining example of a solution can be found in Medellin, Colombia, where an initiative called Eat Cloud has been achieving positive results from various perspectives: social, technological, pedagogical, and sustainable.
The Technological Platform of Eat Cloud
Eat Cloud is a technological platform that acts as a crucial bridge between the surplus of unsold food in supermarkets, restaurants, and the food industry, and the foundations and food banks willing to redistribute it to the vulnerable population. The company is dedicated to combating food waste and food insecurity, contributing to a significant humanitarian cause.
"We are the ally of the food ecosystem and become the bridge between surplus food in perfect condition, which cannot be sold or consumed through multiple channels, and the institutions and communities that need it most," said Jorge Correa, CEO of Eat Cloud.
In a country like Colombia, where nearly a third of food production is currently wasted, equivalent to 9.7 million tons, Eat Cloud has managed to connect 1,200 points of sale, plants, and distribution centers in the food ecosystem in Colombia with 24 food banks and over 2,000 foundations. This action has been instrumental in reducing the impact of food waste and contributing to the fight against hunger in the country.
Collaboration with Conexión ICCO Cooperación
Eat Cloud has collaborated with Conexión ICCO Cooperación on a project aimed at reducing the impact of food waste by 10% during the distribution and retail stages in Latin America.
Eat Cloud's vision goes beyond just reducing food waste; it seeks a positive economic, social, and environmental impact. The company has saved collaborating companies a total of $31 million, rescued 25,643 tons of food, and delivered 61,056,659 meals to those in need. Additionally, they have mitigated 589 tons of CO2 emissions, making a significant contribution to a healthier planet.
Creating Emotional Connections
Eat Cloud not only efficiently manages unsellable food but also generates tax benefits for organizations. This eliminates the need to spend resources disposing of perfectly good food. The platform also provides analytical data aligned with the interests of each organization, allowing real-time tracking of the economic, social, and environmental impact of the decision not to waste food.
This company is not only revolutionizing the management of unsold food but, also creating emotional connections between organizations and their customers. Being an organization committed to the community and the environment, Eat Cloud demonstrates that it is possible to address global issues and make a positive impact locally.
This initiative is a proof of how technology, collaboration, and awareness can come together to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: reducing food waste and combating hunger in Latin America. Eat Cloud is hope and a valuable lesson in the fight against food waste.