Replate

Replate is a tech-enabled nonprofit that connects businesses with surplus food to community organizations facing food insecurity. Their patented technology facilitates food donation by allowing donors to schedule pickups and track the social and environmental impact of their contributions. The platform aims to reduce food waste and mitigate climate change by redirecting edible food to local food banks and shelters.

The service operates in primary markets including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin, Denver, and New York, with emerging operations in cities like Boulder, Seattle, and Miami. They also serve specific regions such as the East Bay, North Bay, and Orange County in California, as well as the Mountain/Pacific Northwest and Texas/Midwest areas. Donors can request a pickup by selecting a day and time from their dashboard to arrange for a Food Rescuer to retrieve the food.

A standard pickup costs $100, with each additional 200 lbs charged at $50. Businesses can also opt for custom pricing specific to their needs, while nonprofits can sign up using an online form. The pricing supports fairly paid nonprofit partners and professional logistics, ensuring consistent service and compliance with regulations like SB1383.

Reviewers consistently praise the simplicity and efficiency of the donation process, noting how easy it is to make a positive impact. Many users highlight the convenience of scheduling pickups and the satisfaction of knowing their donations directly help those in need. The platform is described as reliable and trustworthy, with a strong commitment to reducing food waste.

The Trustburn rating is 3.8 out of 5 based on 12 reviews, with the most recent feedback coming from October 2023. The rating split shows a majority of 4-star and 5-star reviews, though there are a few 3-star entries. All feedback is positive, focusing on the ease of use and the meaningful impact of the service.

Replate was founded in 2016 by Maen Mahfoud, who launched the company after witnessing food insecurity in the Bay Area while pursuing medicine at UC Berkeley. Over seven years, the organization has grown internationally, now operating across the United States and aiming to serve 16 million meals to 100,000 people in the next four years.

The platform is funded by a grant from the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) through California Climate Investments. This funding supports their mission to reduce food waste and mitigate climate change across the globe. As a 501c3 nonprofit, Replate focuses on optimizing food rescue through technology and partnerships.

The process involves a donor selecting a pickup time, after which a friendly Food Rescuer retrieves and delivers the food. Nonprofits can request donations through an online form, and the team sets up a call to understand capacity and needs. Once scheduled, professional food rescuers ensure a smooth delivery to the facility, with detailed metrics provided on the impact.

Replate claims to have recovered 4.9 million pounds of food and delivered 4.1 million meals to nonprofits, serving 301 organizations. They state that their work has saved 1.3 billion gallons of water and diverted 4.5K metric tons of CO2e. These figures highlight the significant environmental and social impact of their food rescue operations.

The website mentions a Partner Organization Program and a Donor Guide for businesses. They also offer a U.A.E. Donor Guide and a pricing page that explains why professional food recovery costs money. The platform provides tools for compliance and impact reporting, including social and environmental analytics.

Some reviewers say the service is top-notch and makes a significant impact in reducing food waste. Others note the dedication of the team and the inspiration felt when donating. The overall sentiment is one of gratitude and pride in supporting an organization that feeds people in need.

The platform includes a personalized dashboard for donors to track their impact, and an online form for nonprofits to sign up. They also have a blog, careers page, and a contact section for partnerships. The website emphasizes creating a world that doesn't expire through their food donation services.

To get started, businesses can sign up to donate food, while nonprofits can use the online form to request donations. The team will set up a call to understand the organization's capacity and needs before scheduling the first dropoff. Users can also track their driver and see their impact through the personalized dashboard.

Replate is a 501c3 nonprofit that operates in the US, with a focus on reducing food waste and food insecurity. They provide tools for businesses to donate surplus food to community-based organizations. The mission is to transform surplus into support and make a tangible difference in the world.

You can reach Replate by e-mail at [email protected].