Flashfood App: Save money on groceries and reduce food waste

If you’re always on the lookout for ways to stretch your grocery budget, there’s an app for that! The Flashfood app helps you save money on groceries and reduce grocery store food waste. 

What is Flashfood?

Flashfood is a free app that partners with grocery stores to sell fresh food nearing its “best by” date at a big discount—sometimes up to 50% or more. Select items are even SNAP eligible (and clearly marked)! 

Think meat, dairy, baked goods, produce, and even meal kits that are still perfectly good to eat but might not get sold in time. Browse the deals in the app, pay through your phone, then pick up your order at the store. 

This isn’t one of those cashback apps, or coupon apps – it directly reduces the cost of select items available at the store. 

Find deals like Belgioiso Fresh Mozzerella for $2.74 versus $5.49 (best by date 29 days away). Or a dozen Free Range Large Brown Eggs for $3.14 instead of $6.29 (best by date 8 days away). These were two of the 14 items I purchased for $21.32 in my first order (with $5 off, so actually $16.32). 

How to Use the Flashfood App

Using the app is simple.

• Download the app
• Pick a store you want to shop
• Select the items available (pay attention to expiration dates listed). Some products may have more than one quantity available.
• Go to checkout and add promo code VOLL6PQJ8 (if it’s your first time shopping).
• Pay for your order in the app.

You can pick up your items immediately! They are typically located in designated Flashfood fridge or shelf near the front of the store, or near customer service. (I’ve noticed these before, but had no idea what it was for!). 

An employee will look up your order and help load your items into bags (bring your own!). The process may vary per location/brand. 

Pro Tips 

I’ve only used the app once (so far), here are my tips;

 – Check early in the day for the best selection. If you are going to be near a participating store, it’s worth checking first!

 – Bring your own bag(s) and allow a couple of minutes for an employee to load your items from the designated 

 – Use a referral code on your first purchase for $5 off your order over $7. My code is VOLL6PQJ8 (I’d love for you to use it!). And then share your own with others, so you can earn!

 – Pick up the same day! Once an item is passes the best-by date, it will be thrown away. There are no refunds for missed pickups.

Remember, a best-by or sell-by date doesn’t mean that an item is immediately expired. It means that it’s the date that the item will be at peak quality or have the best flavor. It’s not a safety date, and food is typically still safe to eat after this date, although the taste, texture, or appearance might be affected. Everyone has different timeframes with which they are comfortable. 

Where Can You Use It Around Columbus?

Flashfood is available for select Meijer, Giant Eagle, and Marketplace locations in and around Columbus, so far. Selection varies depending on the store and time of day, but deals go fast—so if you see something good, don’t wait too long!

You can also turn on notifications in the app to get alerts when new items are posted at your favorite location.

Bottom line: If you shop at Meijer or Giant Eagle and want to save a little cash while doing something good for the environment, Flashfood is definitely worth a download. It’s not going to replace your whole grocery list, but it can score you some great deals!

Have you tried Flashfood in Columbus? Let us know your favorite finds!