Zero Waste Chain: A Smart Platform for Bridging Food Waste and Food Need

Food waste is a global issue that affects people and communities. Food is also a huge source of waste. Millions of people are still hungry and cannot find enough food to eat. In this article, we will discuss the Zero Waste Chain, a website that uses technology (an online platform) to connect surplus food donors directly with NGOs for efficient distribution and donation of surplus food. The platform enables households, restaurants, and food suppliers to donate excess food, while NGOs can request and distribute donations based on need. The system is developed using a modern full-stack architecture comprising React, Node.js, Express, and MySQL. Core functionalities include role-based authentication, real-time donation tracking, automated donor- recipient matching, pickup scheduling, and analytics for moni- toring redistribution activities. By leveraging digital technologies, Zero Waste Chain aims to reduce food sent to landfills and support sustainable food management practices aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 and SDG 12.