Philly Keeps App For Saving, Distributing 11K Pounds Of DNC Leftovers
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A special food app launched during the Democratic National Convention was so successful the city wants it to stay alive.
The Food Connect App was developed by Villanova grad Megha Kulshreshtha of Pemberton, NJ.
She says with all the parties and receptions planned for the DNC at the end of July, she wanted to find a way to connect the leftovers with agencies and shelters who serve the hungry.
"What the Food Connect App is really about is connecting caterers, restaurants, grocery stores and venue halls with the most vulnerable in Philadelphia which are the individuals, families, and children of our community. These are through the meal sites, pantries, food banks and shelters."
City officials say during the eight days of the DNC, more than 11,200 pounds of leftover food was rescued and distributed throughout the city to those in need.
Mitch Little, executive director of the mayor's office of community empowerment and opportunity, says agencies like Philabundance and the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission were beneficiaries of the leftovers from the DNC parties and events.
Mayor Jim Kenney says he's very happy there's a willingness to keep the "food app."
"I'm happy for all the restaurants and food operations and caterers that are willing to continue work with us in this way. And, I thank the Sunday Breakfast Club and all the organizations around the city that care about folks and to do the right thing."
Kulshreshtha hopes more restaurants and caterers will get involved and save the leftovers from their events by signing up for the Food Connect App through foodconnectgroup.com.
