She Built a Clever Way to Tackle Food Waste and Named It After An American Hero
In a world where food insecurity and waste remain pressing issues, Aneshai Smith has carved out a unique solution. Her innovative app, Harriet, is transforming how sports venues manage leftover food while helping those in need.
“Food waste is a solvable problem, and Harriet is here to connect the dots between excess and need. It’s about creating a system that benefits everyone involved.”
– Aneshai Smith
Harriet, named after the legendary abolitionist Harriet Tubman, is more than just an app—it’s a movement. It combines technology with a mission to reduce food waste and fight hunger in local communities.
Here’s how it works: After an event, sports venues use the app to notify nearby food banks and nonprofits about surplus food. These organizations then collect and distribute the food to those struggling with hunger.
The platform is a win-win. Venues reduce waste and recoup costs, while families in need gain access to nutritious meals. It’s a simple yet powerful idea that addresses two major issues at once.
Smith’s inspiration for Harriet came from Tubman’s legacy of resilience and compassion. Like Tubman, Harriet is a beacon of hope—proving that innovation can drive meaningful change.
Revolutionizing Food Recovery Through Technology
Harriet is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform designed to streamline the process of food recovery and distribution. By connecting sports venues directly with local food banks and nonprofits, the app creates a seamless network that transforms would-be waste into a valuable resource.
The process is straightforward: when a sports venue has leftover food after an event, they use the Harriet app to notify nearby organizations. These groups then arrange for the food to be collected and delivered to those in need. This efficient system ensures that edible food does not end up in landfills and instead reaches people who struggle with food insecurity.
Aneshai Smith emphasized the multifaceted impact of her platform: “Harriet tackles three critical issues—reducing food waste, helping venues recover costs, and providing meals to hungry individuals. It’s a solution that benefits everyone involved while making a positive environmental and social impact.”
By leveraging technology, Harriet creates a win-win scenario. Sports venues not only reduce their waste but also recoup some of the costs associated with unused food. At the same time, local communities gain access to nutritious meals, and the environment benefits from reduced landfill contributions.
Smith’s choice to name the app after Harriet Tubman reflects her vision of the platform as a tool for liberation—freeing surplus food from landfills and helping those in need gain access to nourishment. Like Tubman’s legacy, Harriet represents resilience, compassion, and the power of innovation to drive meaningful change.
As the platform continues to expand, it serves as a testament to the potential of technology to address some of society’s most pressing challenges. By connecting the dots between excess and need, Harriet is paving the way for a more efficient and compassionate food system.
Conclusion
Aneshai Smith’s innovative app, Harriet, represents a groundbreaking solution to the dual challenges of food waste and food insecurity. By connecting sports venues with local food banks and nonprofits, Harriet creates a seamless network that transforms surplus food into a valuable resource for those in need. This platform not only reduces waste and recovers costs for venues but also provides nutritious meals to individuals struggling with hunger. Named after the courageous Harriet Tubman, the app embodies resilience, compassion, and the power of technology to drive meaningful change. As Harriet continues to expand, it serves as a beacon of hope for a more efficient and compassionate food system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harriet?
Harriet is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform designed to streamline food recovery and distribution. It connects sports venues with local food banks and nonprofits to reduce food waste and help those in need.
How does Harriet work?
After an event, sports venues use the Harriet app to notify nearby food banks and nonprofits about surplus food. These organizations then arrange for the food to be collected and delivered to individuals struggling with hunger.
Who benefits from Harriet?
Harriet benefits sports venues by reducing waste and recouping costs, while also providing nutritious meals to families and individuals in need. The environment benefits from reduced landfill contributions.
What impact does Harriet have on food waste?
Harriet ensures that edible food does not end up in landfills. By redistributing surplus food, the platform helps reduce food waste while addressing food insecurity in local communities.
Why is Harriet named after Harriet Tubman?
Harriet is named after the legendary abolitionist Harriet Tubman, reflecting the app’s mission of liberation—freeing surplus food from landfills and helping those in need gain access to nourishment.
How is Harriet different from other food recovery platforms?
Harriet is specifically designed for sports venues, creating a seamless network that connects these large food generators with local food banks and nonprofits. Its focus on reducing waste, recovering costs, and providing meals to those in need makes it a unique solution.
How can I get involved with Harriet?
If you’re a sports venue, food bank, or nonprofit interested in joining the Harriet network, visit their website or contact their team to learn more about how you can participate.