ReFoodify: A Community-based Gamified Approach to Combat Food Waste

Abstract

Food waste is a growing global challenge, particularly in community dining spaces such as university canteens and restaurants, where significant quantities of edible food are discarded daily. ReFoodify is a gamified, community-based digital platform designed to promote responsible food consumption, encourage surplus redistribution, and engage students through interactive incentives. Built using React Native, Node.js, Express, and MongoDB Atlas, the system integrates QR code validation, real-time tracking, and JWT-based secure authentication. The gamification model, driven by points, badges, and leaderboards, motivates individuals to adopt sustainable dining habits. The platform also enables restaurants to report surplus food and NGOs to redistribute it efficiently. This work demonstrates how technology, gamification, and community collaboration can collectively minimize food waste, support sustainability, and foster social responsibility.