Food rescue Bangladesh: How Foodi gives cancelled meals second chance

Food waste remains a major challenge for the food delivery industry, particularly when prepared orders are cancelled or remain unfulfilled. Addressing this issue, Foodi has introduced its Food Rescue initiative, allowing eligible cancelled meals to reach new customers at discounted prices before their freshness period expires.

Through the Food Rescue feature, Foodi identifies eligible prepared meals and makes them available to nearby customers through the Foodi App. Users within the relevant delivery radius receive instant push notifications about available deals and can claim the meals at reduced prices. According to Foodi's internal data, rescued meals are claimed in an average of approximately 1.58 seconds.

The initiative has achieved significant growth. In 2025, Foodi rescued more than 15,000 meals, representing food worth over Tk 1.5 crore. During the first 10 months of 2026, the number increased to more than 100,000 meals, with food valued at over Tk 9 crore saved from potential waste.

Food Rescue currently operates in key Dhaka areas, including Uttara, Mirpur, Dhanmondi, Bashundhara R/A and Gulshan. The platform uses location-based matching and automated discounting to connect available meals with nearby customers quickly.

Food safety remains a priority. Meals are available only within a defined freshness window, after which the system automatically removes them from the app. Restaurant partners can also choose whether to participate based on their food quality and brand policies.

Foodi's 2025 data recorded a 92 percent grab rate for Food Rescue, with more than 15,000 meals claimed organically without paid marketing.

By connecting restaurants, customers and delivery riders through its existing network, Food Rescue offers a practical approach to reducing food waste while making affordable meals accessible. The initiative demonstrates how instant food delivery technology can create value beyond convenience and contribute to more responsible consumption.