In the early months of 2024, a pioneering venture is set to transform the landscape of food waste management in sports and entertainment venues. Aneshai Smith, founder and CEO of Go See the City, has extended her mission to reduce food waste by launching a new platform named Harriet. This innovative solution aims to redirect surplus food from large venues to those in need, addressing both environmental concerns and social issues.

Revolutionizing Food Distribution with Historical Inspiration

In the vibrant autumn of 2023, Aneshai Smith, a marketing expert and former military child, embarked on an ambitious journey to expand her business's impact. Inspired by the courage and legacy of Harriet Tubman, who guided enslaved individuals to freedom before the Civil War, Smith envisioned a platform that could similarly guide surplus food to people facing food insecurity. After consultations with fellow entrepreneurs, she chose the name "Harriet" for this transformative project.

This month, the Harriet platform will debut at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, home to the New Orleans Pelicans basketball team. Over the following two months, it will roll out in several convention centers across Oklahoma and South Florida. The pilot program, launched in collaboration with Levy Restaurants, has already achieved remarkable results. At venues such as the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City and the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, chefs diverted 6,200 pounds of food to local charities, providing over 5,000 meals to those in need. This initiative not only reduced food waste but also conserved approximately 658,000 gallons of water.

A Market-Based Solution for a National Crisis

The United States faces a staggering food waste problem, with over 120 billion pounds of food discarded annually—equivalent to about 130 billion meals. Sports and entertainment venues contribute significantly to this issue, generating tons of waste per event. Recognizing this challenge, Go See the City offers a market-based approach to combat food waste. By charging hospitality companies a subscription fee, the company connects these venues with nonprofits through the Harriet platform. Additionally, restaurants and food trucks can sell their surplus food at a discount or make tax-deductible donations to vetted organizations.

To further support its mission, Go See the City collaborates with city governments to help local eateries meet food waste reduction goals. The company’s efforts are particularly focused on communities with significant Black populations, such as Tulsa, Birmingham, and Miami’s Little Haiti, where food insecurity remains a pressing concern.

A Vision for the Future

Aneshai Smith’s vision extends beyond reducing food waste; it aims to honor historical legacies while addressing modern challenges. Her platform embodies the spirit of resilience and leadership exemplified by Harriet Tubman. As Smith continues to expand Harriet’s reach, she hopes to inspire others to embrace sustainable practices and contribute to a more equitable society. By building her company on the foundation of history, Smith demonstrates that profitability and social responsibility can go hand in hand, paving the way for a future where no one goes hungry.