GiftAMeal, a mobile app student startup founded by Andrew Glantz, BSBA’17, that turns the trend of photo-sharing into an act of generosity to help feed the hungry is expanding beyond St. Louis to Chicago. In less than a year since its launch, GiftAMeal has funded the distribution of over 4,500 meals in the St. Louis area through Operation Food Search and partnerships with over 115 restaurants.

GiftAMeal’s Head of Business Development and Chicago-native Michael Kaushansky said, “Chicago seemed like a natural extension of our business, and we look forward to providing thousands of more meals to local food pantries throughout the Greater Chicago area.”  To provide meals in Chicago, GiftAMeal has partnered with Lakeview Pantry, one of the city’s largest and longest-operating food pantries.

Jacob Mohrmann (BSBA’16) and Andrew Glantz at a photoshoot for Olin Business Magazine. They will be featured in the Fall issue.

GiftAMeal has partnered with 20 Chicago area restaurants since entering the market 2 months ago.  Initial restaurants in the area are: Perry’s Deli, Halsted Street Deli, Pita Express, The Shamrock Club, The Stained Glass, The Cellar, The Tavern, Fuji Thai, Gilmer Road House, Blue Frog’s Local 22, Firkin, Tina G’s, The Bad Apple, EJ’s Place, 545 North, Tavern on 60, Webster’s Wine Bar, Cross-Rhodes, Nick’s Pizza + Pub, and Salsa 17.

GiftAMeal users emphasize how easy it is to give back on the app. In a user survey conducted in June, one user said,

“I love how easy it is to go through the process to donate a meal. It’s so great having an option like this available to help others!” Another user wrote, “GiftAMeal is an idea perfect for today. I think people want to do more to help and will recommend restaurants that commit to their communities.”

Join the movement to fight hunger in our community. Download GiftAMeal and start snapping photos. Follow GiftAMeal’s story on Facebook (GiftAMeal), Twitter (@giftamealapp), and Instagram (@giftamealapp).

Top photo: Glantz, Mohrmann, and co-founder Aiden Folbe at GiftAMeal partner restaurant Applebee’s.