In an effort to cut down on in-store food waste, Meijer, Grand Rapids, Mich., is testing an app at a handful of its Metro Detroit supercenters that allows customers to purchase food nearing its best-buy date at a reduced price.

The app, produced by Flashfood, Canada, allows customers to purchase close-dated fresh food items, including meat, produce, seafood, deli and bakery products at up to 50% off, and then pick up at the Brighton, Waterford, Commerce and Howell Meijer stores.

“Food is at the core of what we do, and we are constantly looking at ways to minimize in-store waste because it’s the right thing to do for our communities and our customers,” says Don Sanderson, group vice president of fresh. “We are excited to work with Flashfood and learn how much food can be spared from landfills.”

“Bringing the Metro Detroit community the ability to buy such great food at huge discounts while reducing food waste is exciting. Meijer is a well-respected market leader focusing on innovation and it’s evident through our partnership. Both teams are thrilled about the impact we’re bringing to market in this pilot,” says Josh Domingues, founder and CEO of Flashfood.

“Reducing food waste is an important goal at Meijer,” says Erik Petrovskis, director of environmental compliance and sustainability for Meijer. “There are creative solutions throughout a food’s life cycle that can reduce landfill use and production of greenhouse gases, and I’m pleased we’re looking at another in-store option that benefits our customers.”