Food costs are still on the rise, making it harder for families to put healthy meals on the table. However, a growing marketplace app, Flashfood, is providing a solution to help consumers fight food costs while benefiting the environment.

Founded in 2016, Flashfood is an app designed to combat food waste by offering discounted groceries that are either surplus or nearing their best-by dates. As more people look for ways to save money and reduce their environmental impact, Flashfood continues to gain popularity.

Flashfood’s Growth and Success in Ohio

Esther Cohn, Flashfood’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, shared that the app has been expanding rapidly in Ohio, where it began operating in 2019. “Flashfood is in a time of growth,” Cohn said. “Since our launch in Ohio, shoppers have saved $15 million on groceries, and we’ve prevented 6.9 million pounds of food from being sent to landfills.”

In Toledo, where Flashfood’s impact is particularly felt, Monica Koppenhofer, store director at Meijer, noted that the app is very popular with both customers and employees. “We have expanded our selection to include more non-fresh food items, providing even more options for our customers to save,” Koppenhofer said.

How Flashfood Works

Flashfood works by allowing shoppers to browse surplus and near-expiry food at participating grocery stores. Retailers scan the products into the app, and shoppers can check prices and purchase items directly in the app. Once the order is placed, shoppers can pick up their groceries at the designated “Flashfood Zone” inside the store.

Unlike other apps, Flashfood offers transparency by allowing users to see exactly what they’re purchasing. “Shoppers can see images of the food items they’re buying, whether it’s fresh meat, vegetables, or fruit,” Cohn explained.

Tips for Shopping Smart with Flashfood

Flashfood is more than just an app; it’s a strategy for saving money on groceries. To help shoppers get the best deals, the app offers several tips:

1. Early Birds Save Big: Flashfood recommends checking the app first thing in the morning, as grocery stores often post discounts early. Frequent users who check daily save over $100 more per month than those who don’t.

2. Plan Your Meals: Meal planning is another great way to maximize savings. Shoppers can buy discounted food from Flashfood and then purchase the rest of their grocery items to complete their meals. “Planning meals around Flashfood deals makes it easier to save money while eating healthy,” Cohn said.

3. Take Advantage of Produce Boxes: Flashfood offers produce boxes packed with fresh fruits and vegetables for just $5. These boxes are a huge hit among shoppers and are a cost-effective way to stock up on healthy ingredients. Since 2019, Flashfood has sold 170,000 produce boxes in Ohio alone.

Customer Success Stories

Lisa O’Bryan from Toledo, a regular Flashfood user, shared her experience. “I check the app in the morning and sometimes throughout the day to see what’s available,” O’Bryan said. “I plan my meals based on what I can find on Flashfood, and I’m always able to save money.”

While some users, like O’Bryan, may end up buying more at the store, they still feel that the savings are worth it. “I sometimes find additional discounts in the store, which is a bonus,” O’Bryan said. “I’ll even travel to different Meijer stores in the area to find the best deals.”

Flashfood’s Impact Across Ohio

Erin Cataldo, a spokesperson for Meijer, explained that Flashfood has been a game-changer for the chain. “Since the launch, Meijer customers in Ohio have diverted 2.6 million pounds of food from the landfill,” Cataldo said. “Overall, Meijer shoppers have saved more than 15 million pounds of food from going to waste.”

Flashfood’s success is built on partnerships with grocery retailers. In Ohio, Flashfood can be found in 48 Meijer stores and has recently expanded to include more independent stores. In 2024, Flashfood added DashMart to its list of participating retailers.

Fighting Food Waste and Saving Money

Flashfood’s mission is to reduce food waste while providing consumers with affordable options for feeding their families. “For many, reducing food waste is a major reason they use Flashfood,” Cohn said. “However, the vast majority of people use the app because of the great deals on groceries. It helps people feed their families without compromising on quality.”

Many shoppers see using Flashfood as a fun way to find bargains. “For some, getting a great deal is like a game,” Cohn said. “Ultimately, we don’t want food to be thrown away, especially when so many people are going hungry. Flashfood is helping make healthy food more affordable.”

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