AI technology is offering a solution to aid restaurants, grocery stores, and other food-centric businesses in the U.S. in monitoring food waste disposal. This problem accounts for almost 40% of the nation's food going to waste annually.
Two companies, Winnow and Afresh, have developed AI technology that enables food-related businesses to assess the amount of waste occurring in their daily operations. This helps them better manage the products they sell or use.
In the United States, Feeding America reports that 80 million tons of food is wasted annually, leading to an estimated 149 million meals discarded. Of this waste, 46% originates from the food industry, and 38% of all food in the U.S. remains unsold or uneaten.
Winnow's AI Technology
According to the New York Times, Winnow sets up cameras above trash bins in restaurant kitchens. These cameras capture images that an AI algorithm analyzes to assess the quantity of wasted food and its associated costs.
Based on company estimates, restaurants have reduced their money on food costs by 8% by becoming aware of their wastage. A spokesperson informed NewsNation that Winnow now collaborates with 2,000 enterprises across 77 countries, including notable brands such as IKEA, Hilton, and Marriott.
Winnow's clients collectively save an estimated $54 million annually, preventing the disposal of the equivalent of 45 million meals. They estimate that, on average, kitchens discard about 20% of the food they buy, but through implementing Winnow's technology, companies typically reduce their food expenses by 2-8%.
Afresh AI Technology
Afresh utilizes artificial intelligence to track a grocery store's inventory and purchases, analyzing how many unsold products are discarded. Matt Schwartz, the CEO, expressed on the company's website that his goal in founding Afresh was to combat food waste and enhance accessibility to nutritious food.
According to Business Insider, AI insights enable grocery stores to adjust their purchasing decisions based on the amount of food being wasted, optimizing their inventory management processes.
The Environmental Impact on The Food Industry
The companies developing this technology aim to have an environmental impact by assisting restaurants, grocery stores, and catering companies in reducing food waste. According to the United Nations Environmental Program, food waste contributes 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The agency highlighted that reducing food waste at retail, food service, and household levels can offer numerous benefits for both people and the planet. This technology arrives at a crucial moment, as the world's population is projected to surpass 9.5 billion by 2050, accompanied by a 60% increase in food demand, as stated by UNEP.
While food waste persists, 12.9% of the global population grapples with hunger, and individuals in less affluent communities allocate between 50% and 80% of their income toward food expenses. Marc Zornes, the founder of Winnow, told the New York Times that food waste is a problem that often goes unnoticed and disregarded.
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