As prices increase at the grocery store, shoppers can lower their cost while helping the environment

The inflation rate is at its highest point in 40 years, which has prompted many shoppers to look for new ways to save.

The Flashfood app was created to help grocery stores reduce their food waste. 160 billion pounds of food ends up in landfills in North America, emitting greenhouse gases. 

As shoppers look for new ways to save, the Flashfood app is an easy for shoppers to save 50% on their grocery bills. The free app lets shoppers browse discounted food items that typically aren’t sold in store. Items include seasonal products, blemished produce and foods with approaching expiration dates.

Flashfood fridges are located at participating Martin’s Super Markets and Meijer stores but items cannot be bought at the store.

After downloading the app, shoppers can browse items at nearby stores. Shoppers then select items, purchase them on the app and pick them up in the store. Shoppers then take their purchase to customer service for verification.

Martin’s district manager, Mike Albert, says that it’s a great way to save and feed the family.

“If you bought the produce box, there's definitely peppers, onions, potatoes and there's meat there as well. So, you definitely could create a meal off of that. It just depends on the items there and how creative you are of using the products,” Albert said.

In addition to helping shoppers save, the program helps stores like Martin’s reduce their food waste. Albert said the program has made a significant impact since the partnership began two years ago.

“We definitely made a dent in the food waste that we have, so it’s a win-win situation for everybody.”

The app is available on the App Store and the Google Play store. Of the 20 Martin’s stores, 19 have Flashfood fridges. In Michiana, shoppers can use the app at participating Meijer stores.