Teaching Kids About Sustainability Through Food Surplus Platforms

Food waste is a big problem in Singapore, with more than 800,000 tonnes thrown away every year. Thankfully, platforms like Just Dabao, Treatsure, and Yindii are helping to reduce this waste. These platforms let people buy extra food at lower prices, saving good food from being thrown out. For parents, they offer a great way to teach children important values like caring for the environment, being mindful, and using resources wisely. Importantly, it’s not about being “cheapskate” but about being thoughtful and responsible.


What Are Food Surplus Platforms?

Food surplus platforms work by selling unsold food from restaurants, bakeries, and shops at a discount.

  • Just Dabao partners with over 400 F&B merchants, including notable establishments like Bakers Brew, Brown Bag Wines, Bunnie Bash, and Great Full. Users can purchase “mystery bags” filled with surplus food from these eateries, making the experience both affordable and exciting, as the contents remain a surprise until collection. 
  • Treatsure offers a “buffet-in-a-box” concept, allowing consumers to pay by weight and take home surplus food from hotels and restaurants. Notable partners include Hotel Jen Tanglin by Shangri-La (J65), M Hotel Singapore (Cafe 2000), Orchard Hotel Singapore (The Orchard Cafe), Grand Mercure Hotel Singapore (Feast Roxy), and Ibis Singapore Bencoolen (Taste). This initiative enables consumers to enjoy a variety of dishes at reduced prices while contributing to sustainability efforts.
  • Yindii, originally launched in Thailand, has expanded into Singapore, partnering with major food brands such as PAUL Bakery, Delifrance, SaladStop!, and The Providore. Through Yindii, consumers can purchase surplus meals from these cafes and bakeries at lower prices, helping to minimize food waste and promote sustainable consumption.
  • Olio is a platform that allows users to share surplus food and household items with others in their community. Whether you have extra groceries or leftovers, you can list them on Olio for neighbors to collect, promoting sharing and reducing waste.

These platforms help businesses in reducing waste disposal costs and enable consumers to make environmentally conscious choices while enjoying quality food at discounted prices. They also offer families additional ways to practice sustainability, teaching children the values of sharing, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.


Teaching Kids Valuable Lessons

Respect for Food

Parents can explain how much work goes into growing, cooking, and transporting food. Buying from these platforms helps save that effort from going to waste. Teaching kids to appreciate food shows them the importance of valuing resources and respecting the environment.

Caring for the Planet

Children can learn that saving food isn’t about being cheap—it’s about helping the Earth. Using platforms like Just Dabao shows them how small steps, like buying surplus food, can reduce waste and help protect the environment.

Money Management

These platforms also teach kids about managing money. They show that it’s possible to save money while still making smart and responsible choices. Parents can discuss how savings from buying surplus food could be used for other meaningful activities, like donating to a charity or saving for a family outing.

Solving Problems Creatively

Kids are naturally curious, and parents can involve them in conversations about why food surplus exists and how platforms like these solve the problem. This helps children think creatively about ways to reduce waste in other parts of their lives.


Fun Activities for Families

Parents can make learning fun by involving kids in activities related to surplus food platforms:

  • Food Hunts: Buy mystery bags from Just Dabao or Treatsure and create meals together from the surprises inside.
  • Waste Challenges: Set family goals to reduce food waste at home or make regular use of these platforms.
  • Talk Time: Discuss food waste issues during meals and share ideas on how to help the planet.

Teaching Generosity, Not Frugality

It’s important to explain to children that using these platforms is not about being stingy—it’s about being kind and smart. Parents can frame this positively by focusing on the bigger picture:

  • Helping the Earth: Saving food helps the planet and reduces waste.
  • Making Smart Choices: Being resourceful is a valuable life skill.
  • Giving Back: Money saved could be donated or used to help others, teaching kids the joy of giving.

Building a Better Future

By using food surplus platforms, parents can teach their children lessons that go beyond saving money. These lessons promote gratitude, responsibility, and sustainability. Small, thoughtful actions, like saving food, can make a big difference, helping families contribute to a greener, kinder world.

 

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