FoodCloud results and goals reflect growth and global expansion
FoodCloud has announced a series of major milestones as it scales its food redistribution technology globally, reinforcing Ireland’s position as a hub of excellence in food rescue innovation. The Irish-founded nonprofit has redistributed the equivalent of 450 million meals of surplus food across its expanding international network, amounting to 200,000 tonnes of food. As of last month, FoodCloud’s technology platform passed 7.5 million in virtual redistribution donations. This marks one of the most significant advances in digital food rescue systems worldwide.
These impact results come with an updated strategy and a new brand identity which both reflect the increased scale of FoodCloud’s international operations as it builds momentum by breaking into new markets, strengthening partnerships and bringing its model to more communities and new fields. Within its updated strategy, FoodCloud has set its most ambitious series of goals since it started after a chance meeting between its founders Iseult Ward and Aoibheann O’Brien almost fifteen years ago. This includes the target of redistributing one billion meals by 2030 through the growth of its technology platform and by deepening its relationships with food banks and food businesses across the globe. That international expansion will come on top of the now established partnerships in Ireland, the United Kingdom and across continental Europe in countries such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, while also supporting food banks in Kenya and more countries in Africa. This demonstrates how Irish technology, innovation, international development and policy expertise are making a positive impact for vulnerable communities around the world.
Iseult Ward, FoodCloud Co-Founder and CEO, says: “Reaching 450 million meals and redistributing more than 200,000 tonnes of food shows what can be achieved when communities, businesses and technology work together with a clear purpose. These milestones reflect years of investment in Ireland as a living lab where we build, test and refine solutions that can be scaled around the world. Today, more than 2.3 billion people globally struggle to access adequate food. Against this backdrop, FoodCloud is accelerating its international expansion, strengthening partnerships and deploying our technology in new regions to deliver practical and scalable solutions at pace. Our next phase will focus on scaling our technology platform, expanding our hubs and working with partners to move faster toward a future where no good food goes to waste. Our updated strategy has been developed on that basis along with a new brand identity that reflects our international growth.”
Aoibheann O’Brien, FoodCloud Co-Founder and Director of Development, says: “What inspires me most is the momentum behind these results and the incredible team and network of volunteers who make it happen. Passing 7.5 million donations and seeing partners in other countries rescue millions of meals demonstrates how technology can transform local food systems and support communities in need. Food waste and food insecurity remain urgent challenges, but these achievements show that when we give communities, growers and food banks the right tools, then the impact is immediate and meaningful. We will continue to build and share this work so that more people can benefit.”
Global Growth
After a successful pilot programme, FoodCloud’s redistribution technology is now enabling partners like Food Bank Kenya (FBK) to serve its communities in the context of increasing food insecurity, cuts to international aid and development funding, along with the continued effects of climate change. Thanks to the funding from Irish Aid, through Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, FBK is using FoodCloud’s food donation platform, across several counties in Kenya to connect those with perfectly good surplus food to local communities that can use it. Unlike traditional food banking, which relies on centralised warehouses and extensive infrastructure for collection and delivery, FoodCloud simplifies the process by connecting beneficiary agencies to food donors with surplus food directly. In just one year the equivalent of almost 2.5 million meals were redistributed, which is over 500 tonnes of surplus food delivered to people experiencing severe hunger and malnutrition. By 2028, FBK aims to have redistributed the equivalent of over 30 million meals. The successful implementation of FoodCloud’s technology in Kenya illustrates how a tech solution can address food insecurity and reduce waste, with the potential to have even greater global impact. The partnership has also facilitated learnings around recovery of surplus food at farm level for both organisations, which has directly led to developments in FoodCloud’s technology.
Ireland as a Centre of Excellence
Meanwhile, FoodCloud has built a model from its base in Ireland that now acts as a centre of excellence for surplus food redistribution. Through three redistribution hubs, FoodCloud’s technology and initiatives, including the AIB Community Meals Programme, the FoodCloud Kitchen and Growers Project, have created a highly connected national system where 540 food outlets donate surplus to 685 charities and community groups. This ecosystem is strengthened by data insights and shared learning that help refine and expand best practices.
In Ireland, one of FoodCloud’s most impactful initiatives over recent years has been the AIB Community Meals Programme, which is adding to FoodCloud’s established model of redistributing surplus food, by transforming it into freshly prepared meals for community and charity groups. The impact of the programme, and research results from its users, clearly shows that shared food increases levels of engagement with local support services. With a goal of redistributing 200,000 community meals to local charities and community groups, the programme that’s facilitated by the FoodCloud Kitchen and supported by AIB, aims to build even stronger community connections.
Elsewhere, The Growers’ Project, FoodCloud’s flagship agri-recovery initiative, has now surpassed 600 tonnes of surplus produce redistributed since it began as a pilot in 2023. This initiative is targeted at primary producers and aimed at reducing food waste at farm level by connecting growers who have surplus produce with community groups located around the country. It is supported by the Government of Ireland with the Rural Innovation and Development Fund (RIDF) through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, along with EU funding through Cultivate and other independent philanthropic partners.
FoodCloud is also an Irish partner organisation for the European Social Fund (ESF+) Food Support programme, which is funded by the EU and Government of Ireland through the Department of Social Protection. This provides support to EU countries in addressing the basic needs of the most deprived members of communities through food and basic material assistance.
