Surplus to Savings

Oct 14, 2025 | Food

OUR TAKE

A program like Flashfood tackles two of the biggest challenges in the grocery industry: food waste and rising prices. If the Richmond pilot catches on, Kroger could roll it out nationwide, setting the stage for other grocery chains to follow. Companies that have implemented Flashfood, like Loblaw, a Canadian retailer, have saved hundreds of millions of dollars since adopting the program, and there is no reason that Kroger won’t be the same. Flashfood’s recent Impact Report highlights how reducing food waste can also improve nutrition. More than 70% of shoppers noted that they are eating healthier since using the app, and over 65% reported eating more fruits and vegetables. By making fresh food that might otherwise be discarded more affordable, programs like this help families stretch their budgets while also putting more nutritious options on the table, turning potential waste into pathways to better diets.

Source Summary

Kroger, one of the leading food retailers in America, is piloting a program with Flashfood, a mobile app that lets shoppers buy surplus groceries or items nearing their best-buy dates at a discount of up to 50%. The program is running in 16 stores across Richmond, Virginia, and covers products like meat, produce, dairy and baked goods. Kroger’s hope is to not only help customers save but to support its broader Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan, which focuses on reducing food waste and improving access to fresh, sustainable food options.

[Grocery Dive ]