Foodcloud at its core is a food bank, but after our visit today, I have learned it is so much more. They use technology and networks of people to gather and redistribute surplus food. Pounds of food are wasted every day, from grocery stores to leftovers. They created an app where you can volunteer to deliver crates of food to families, which I think it an innovative way to involve the community. With the leftover food in the warehouse, they use it up by making meals that are then sold out of a food truck. In some cases, they even distribute the food to the employees and friends. Our leader Brian shared with us that while the pay may not be very high, the impact is drastic.

The main reason why this non-profit is so successful is because of the passion and drive of each of its employees. I could tell in Brian’s voice that he genuinely cares about the impact he is making. You can see that the employees working individually and collaboratively with a smile on their face, it is evident that they love what they do. I admire the contrast between huge corporations like Google, to smaller, 72 employee companies like Foodcloud. The value of the work they do is undeniable, and I’m thankful communities of people who care about making a difference like this exist.

Today is our last day in Dublin, and while it has been somewhat mentally exhausting, it has changed my mindset and views in ways I never expected.