Meet John Akinboyewa

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful John Akinboyewa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi John, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I’ve often said, “Engineering isn’t a career choice—it’s a personality trait.” Reflecting on my journey, that statement rings truer than ever. Every project I’ve tackled has been more than just a technical challenge; it’s been a manifestation of who I am at my core—a relentless problem-solver. My path, marked by both blessings of resources, but also with struggles of food insecurity, has led me to this moment—the moment I realized there was a glaring gap in how we address hunger, food waste, and social isolation. And I knew I could fill it.

For me, learning and problem-solving aren’t just hobbies; they’re passions that fuel my existence. In college, I juggled multiple jobs just to make ends meet, to the point of scrounging for loose change to afford a simple meal. That experience was humbling, but also, it lit a fire within me—a fire to find a solution that would prevent others from enduring the same struggle. I’ve always been deeply disturbed by the casual wastefulness of our society, particularly when it comes to food. So, when the opportunity arose to create something meaningful, I poured my heart into it.

The HungreeApp isn’t just an app; it’s a movement. It’s my response to a world where food waste costs humanity over $1 trillion every year while almost a billion people go hungry every day. My purpose became clear: to put a significant dent in this global issue and to empower others to do the same, simply and effectively. The HungreeApp addresses not only food insecurity and waste but also the isolation that often accompanies these struggles. It’s a solution that fosters community and makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Looking ahead, my vision for The HungreeApp extends far beyond the present. I see a future where this platform isn’t just a tool, but a catalyst for global change—where reducing food waste is a universal practice, where no one goes hungry, and where NOTHING that can still be consumed goes to waste. This mission is aligned with broader social and environmental goals, and I’m committed to fulfilling it for as long as I live.

With The HungreeApp, we’ve made it possible for everyone to contribute to a better world with minimal effort. And in that simplicity lies the power to create profound change.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

At the core of what I do lies a simple yet profound mission: to combat food insecurity, reduce food waste, and foster stronger communities through innovative technology. I am the founder of The HungreeApp, a groundbreaking platform that connects individuals, restaurants, universities, and organizations with surplus food to those in need, all within a specific geographical area. What makes The HungreeApp truly special is its ability to turn everyday acts of sharing food into powerful tools for social good—reducing waste, addressing hunger, and building community in ways that are both impactful and scalable.

One of the most exciting developments for The HungreeApp is our developing collaboration with the Colorado Department of Higher Education, where we are set to expand our reach across 40 universities and schools in the region by the end of the year. This collaboration not only amplifies our mission but also ensures that hundreds of thousands of students will have access to nutritious meals that might otherwise go to waste. Additionally, we are preparing for upcoming interviews with Colorado Public Radio, where we will be sharing more about our journey and the transformative impact of our work.

Our commitment to accessibility is also reflected in our ongoing updates to the user experience. By the end of the year, The HungreeApp will support over 100 languages, enabling us to better serve our global community. We have already established partnerships with tens of thousands of people in countries like India, Colombia, Turkey, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia, making our platform a truly international solution to a global problem. We look to grow our HungreeFreeWorld initiatives where as an example, a vegetarian picked up three extra plates from a Brazilian steakhouse, just to hand to a family of people without a smartphone—simply because the vegetarian chose to browse the app and #DoSomeGoodToday. These are actions in service to communities, which anyone can do as individuals or part of a like-minded collective.

Moreover, our efforts have been fortunate to gain the attention of major organizations and companies, including billion-dollar food distribution companies, shelters within the Colorado region, religious organizations, many food programs, and in the media with features including The Denver Post. These collaborations and recognitions are pivotal as we scale our operations and continue to innovate in the way food is distributed and shared. Our platform is not just about providing food; it’s about creating a movement—a global effort to ensure that no edible food goes to waste and that every meal finds a place at someone’s table.

Looking ahead, we are excited about several upcoming speech and presentation opportunities internationally, where we will share our vision and inspire others to join us in this important work. As we expand, our goal remains clear: to create a world where food waste is a thing of the past, and communities are strengthened through the simple act of sharing a meal.

The HungreeApp is more than a brand; it’s a cause. It’s about making a real, tangible difference in the world—one meal at a time. Whether you’re a provider or someone in need, The HungreeApp offers a solution that is simple, scalable, and deeply impactful. We invite everyone to join us on this journey as we work together to build a more sustainable and connected world.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities and areas of knowledge stand out as most impactful in my journey:

1. Commitment to Social Responsibility: During my time in college, I immersed myself in learning the fundamentals of socially responsible, technical development. This foundation was crucial in shaping my approach to problem-solving—always considering the broader impact on society. I advise those early in their journey to seek out educational opportunities that emphasize ethics and social responsibility in their field. It’s not just about what you create, but how it benefits the community and the world at large.

2. Empathy and Leadership in Underprivileged Communities: Leading several minority groups in college was eye-opening. I witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with being underprivileged and how those challenges can hinder access to education and opportunities. This experience cultivated a deep empathy within me and strengthened my resolve to create solutions that are accessible to all. My advice is to actively engage with diverse communities, especially those that are underrepresented, and to listen deeply. Understanding the struggles and perspectives of others will not only make you a better leader but also inspire more inclusive and effective solutions.

3. Simplicity in Problem-Solving: I’ve always believed that waste is a sin—simple. Whether it’s food, resources, or time, wastefulness is something I cannot tolerate. To address these issues, I’ve learned that the simplest solutions are often the most scalable and impactful. For anyone early in their journey, I’d suggest honing your ability to distill complex problems into simple, actionable solutions. Don’t overcomplicate; focus on what can be done with the resources at hand, and iterate from there.

Advice: As you develop these qualities, stay relentless in your pursuit of learning, remain grounded in empathy, and always strive for simplicity in your solutions. The combination of social responsibility, empathetic leadership, and a focus on simplicity will serve you well in creating meaningful, scalable change in whatever field you choose.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! Collaboration is at the heart of The HungreeApp’s mission to eliminate food waste, combat food insecurity, and foster stronger communities. We’re already in the process of forging meaningful partnerships with the Colorado Department of Higher Education, which is helping us expand our reach across 40 universities and schools, and we’re in discussions with Colorado Public Radio to share our journey and the impact we’re making. But we’re just getting started, and we’re actively seeking new partners to join us in this important work.

We are looking to collaborate with a diverse range of organizations and individuals who share our vision for a more equitable and sustainable world:

1. Educational Institutions present the perfect balance of Providers and Hungrees. Universities, schools, and educational programs that want to empower their students and communities by making surplus food available and reducing food waste on their campuses.
2. Nonprofits and Community Organizations: Groups focused on food security, sustainability, mental health, and social justice. We believe in the power of collective action with our HungreeFreeWorld initiatives, and together, we can amplify our impact.
3. Businesses and Restaurants: From local eateries to billion-dollar food distribution companies, we’re eager to partner with those who want to reduce waste, engage with their communities, and demonstrate social responsibility.
4. Global Partners: We’re already working with tens of thousands of people in India, Colombia, Turkey, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia, but we’re always looking to expand our international footprint. If you’re part of an organization or community that wants to bring The HungreeApp to your region in full force, we’d love to collaborate.
5. Financial support for the project and its mission. We want to bring this to a billion people within the next few years and we can do it with real institutional contribution and investors that want to commit to a project that solves real problems in practical ways.

If you’re reading this and feel aligned with our mission, I invite you to connect with us at [email protected] or on social media (@thehungreeapp on ALL platforms). Whether you’re an organization, a business, or an individual with a passion for making a difference, we want to hear from you. You can reach out to us at [email protected] or visit our website at thehungreeapp.com to learn more and get involved.

Together, we can build a world where no edible food goes to waste, everyone has access to the nourishment they need, and communities are stronger for it.

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