Mobile applications to reduce food waste within Canada: A review
Victoria Funmilayo Hanson, Latifeh Ahmadi
Abstract
Food waste has a devastating effect on the environment, economy, and society. Within Canada, food waste is alarmingly high and on the rise. Technology and mobile applications have been theorized as a potential solution to redistribute food before it becomes waste, raise awareness of food waste, and support behaviours that reduce food waste. This paper critically reviews the literature on mobile applications’ effectiveness in reducing food waste within Canadian society. This review found that mobile applications may assist households and individuals with adequate technology, time, and financial resources to reduce their food waste. However, emphasizing mobile applications alone can place the burden of food waste and inequitable food systems on individuals at the end of the food supply system. Food waste reduction needs to be part of an integrated, multifaced portfolio of interventions at governmental, industry, and individual levels. Mobile applications can serve a role in such a portfolio. Mobile applications alone do not eradicate food waste within Canada and households without adequate awareness, resources, or infrastructure .