New iPhone app Feedie turns snapping food photos into charity

Next time someone gives you a dirty look for taking a picture of that beautiful plate of grilled calamari -- come on it was practically begging for a photo -- you can turn to them and tell them “It’s for charity!” Or at least that’s the idea behind a new, free iPhone app called Feedie.

The app turns taking countless food photos into a productive, charitable activity. Here’s how it works: Sign in through Twitter or Facebook and check in at a Feedie participating restaurant. Take a photo of your food, then share it on Facebook or Twitter. Sounds like just another “Look at me, are you jealous?” shot taken at dinner, right?

This time though, in addition to the many “Likes” you’ll receive from clearly envious friends, the Feedie restaurant will donate a meal to the Lunchbox Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides a daily meal to South African orphans and vulnerable schoolchildren. And all of a sudden, your annoying urge to put every single thing you eat on social media doesn’t seem all that bad.

The app was created by the Lunchbox Fund founder Topaz Page-Green and chef Mario Batali, a Feedie spokesman. There are about 100 restaurants participating, all in New York City, but Page-Green told ABC she hopes the app expands to more areas. There are plans to accommodate Android users too.

Some of the participating restaurants include the Spotted Pig, Indochine and Otto pizzeria. According to the Feedie app website, 260 meals have been donated so far.

For more information, or to apply to be a Feedie restaurant, visit https://wethefeedies.com/.

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