It was a late start to the day today because we only had our site tour at 1:15! So, that was a nice treat to sleep in, and we ended up ordering food from this Cafè. I got a smoothie with my favorite breakfast in the world – avocado toast with eggs. It was yummy. Later, we went on an adventure to try to find FoodCloud. It was like plane train and automobiles, but a lot of walking a mixed up bus followed by a trip on the train. We were all so confused where we were going because apparently there are two locations and the one we were going to wasn’t on apple maps. The train dropped us off and then we walked further. We were walking through what felt like a community with homes, football field, school, and even a grocery store. An hour and half later we made it to FoodCloud. I felt important when we got the blue vests especially over my business casual outfit. 

FoodCloud gave a presentation about their story and business. FoodCloud made themselves part of the community through having majority of their workers be volunteers, so it encourages more people especially in the community to help out. Their location is also in a residential area, so that also helps draw more attention. They also offer sustainability programs about composting and how to be environmentally friendly with food in greater detail than just recycling and composting. It also helps that they are a middleman between manufacturers and charities, so that allows them to get their name out there through word of mouth and making it easier for both parties. 

I think they’re success through their business model of having more food at a time than drinks when they can to make it more beneficial for their clients. I also thinking their different partnerships globally also helps because they can learn and adapt to personally help them. They even work with a pantry in Pittsburgh – what are the odds! I personally think the way organize the warehouse is the most innovative and their business model behind that. They have it organized based on the type of food and most useful. Also too, its pretty innovative how they work with high manufacturers like Kellogg’s and charities. I think that’s such a smart idea. Seeing all that food though made me hungry lol.

After that adventure, I made a quick pit stop to a café down the street from StayCity and downed a tuna cheese sandwich and returned to packing before dinner. It was stressful trying to stay under weight with my checked bag. 

We went to an Italian restaurant for dinner which was cute. Everyone started with a personal charcuterie board. It was good especially the peppers and I don’t even like peppers. I have to say though it was hard trying to figure out what to get because I also didn’t know what some of it was. But the waiters recommendations really came in handy and our whole table got this cheesy pasta with pepper sprinkled on. I thought it was ok, but I definitely felt content with the quantity. It was emotional because it was really the end. I loved this trip, and it was the perfect amount of time for me. I met amazing friends that I can’t wait to see next semester!