In Nigeria, where millions of dollars’ worth of food goes to waste annually, Eatnow.ng is at the forefront of a movement to revolutionize the way food is consumed. This pioneering food technology startup, founded with a strong commitment to sustainability and affordability, is transforming the landscape by salvaging food items nearing expiration and making them available to consumers at significantly reduced prices.
A Vision Beyond Profit: Addressing Food Waste and Hunger
Every year, tons of edible non-expired foods end up in landfills across Nigeria, representing not just waste but missed opportunities for families to eat, supermarkets to profit, and the nation to progress. Eatnow.ng presents a simple and intuitive platform that connects users with nearby supermarkets offering discounted items approaching their expiry dates, with discounts reaching up to 80%.
“We envision a future where no edible food goes to waste, where affordable nutrition is accessible to all. Our mission is not just about business; it aligns with global objectives. By reducing food waste and hunger, we actively contribute to the United Nations goals of eradicating poverty and hunger,” says Noah Ibrahim, MD of Eatnow.ng.
Building a Sustainable Future: The Eatnow.ng Approach
Eatnow.ng is more than just a food tech startup; it’s a movement towards sustainable and affordable food consumption in Nigeria. By partnering with local grocery stores, the company rescues food items that are often overlooked and unsold, offering them to consumers through a user-friendly e-commerce platform. This approach not only alleviates hunger by providing affordable food options but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing waste.
“At Eatnow, we believe in the power of community and technology to create a better, hunger-free Nigeria,” adds Noah Ibrahim
Connecting Consumers with Quality, Affordable Food
Eatnow.ng’s main offering is a platform that connects consumers with a range of food items nearing expiration but still perfectly safe and nutritious to consume. Sourced from local grocery stores, these items are offered at heavily discounted prices. The platform features a dynamic and user-friendly interface, allowing users to easily identify participating supermarkets within their vicinity, view product details, expiry dates, and prices.
Noah Ibrahim emphasizes, “At Eatnow.ng, we believe that if food is to be eaten immediately, then the public should get it cheaper.”
Tackling Challenges, Offering Solutions
In a country where millions face food insecurity and where the high cost of food compounds the problem, Eatnow.ng aims to address these challenges head-on. The platform’s core values—Quality of Food, Affordability, and Sustainability—guide its operations. The company adheres to NAFDAC guidelines, ensuring the sale of only non-expired foods, and collaborates with supermarkets to properly dispose of expired items.
“We hope to make food more accessible and affordable, especially for the underserved who can’t keep up with the rapid rate of food price increase,” says Amaka Osamor, Chief Operations Officer.
A Vision for Growth and Impact
Eatnow.ng has already secured partnerships with over 20 local supermarkets within the Victoria Island and Lekki axis of Lagos State. The company has ambitious plans to raise this figure to 50 by the end of the first quarter of 2024.
Amaka highlights the company’s vision for expansion, “We are not just changing how people access food; we are changing the narrative of waste. Our goal is to expand this impactful initiative beyond Lagos, reaching over six states in Nigeria by the end of next year.”
A Win-Win Solution: How Eatnow.ng Works
Eatnow.ng offers a unique solution that tackles both food waste and hunger. By rescuing food items close to expiry and selling them at discounted prices, Eatnow provides an affordable way for people to access quality food while contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing waste.
“Supermarkets stand to save figurative amounts in operational costs and reduce food waste by listing their products on our platform. By doing so, they not only contribute to a sustainable future but also experience a boost in revenue through increased sales,” Amaka emphasizes.
Mission and Vision: Eatnow.ng’s Commitment to a Better Nigeria
Eatnow.ng’s mission is clear: to combat food waste and hunger in Nigeria by connecting consumers with affordable, quality food that would otherwise be discarded, promoting a more sustainable and equitable food system. The company’s vision is to be a leading force in Nigeria’s food tech sector, transforming the way the country approaches food consumption and waste.
Short-Term Goals: A Glimpse into Eatnow.ng’s Future
Eatnow.ng has outlined short-term goals that include expanding partnerships with local grocery stores, increasing the user base, improving the platform’s technology for a better user experience, launching awareness campaigns about food waste and sustainability, and establishing a reliable logistics network for efficient food distribution.
As Eatnow.ng continues to innovate and grow, it stands as a beacon of change in Nigeria’s fight against food waste and hunger. With a vision that extends beyond profit, Eatnow.ng is not just a company; it’s a movement paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.