Princeton Free Food is now available as an app you can install on your phone. Get instant notifications!
Tech issues?
Not getting notifications? Found a bug? Having trouble installing? Please email Lorae at princetonfreefood@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
🤔What is this app?
This app helps Princeton community members reduce waste and find free food on campus in real time.
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…but why?
I'm a staff member here at Princeton, as well as a food enthusiast and lover of a good deal.
I started this project as a personal tool for myself: I wanted a way to predict whether I needed to pack a lunch for work on a given day. When I told others of the project, however, I realized there was a big appetite for the idea.
…who are you?
👩🏻 I'm Lorae Stojanovic. I work as a Research Specialist at the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, where I research housing affordability and access. This project isn't an official part of my job, but I've put a lot of work into it.
Is this the same thing as the free food listserv?
No. This app is new.
But I republish everything in the listserv, plus extra food that is posted here.
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…why not just use the listserv?
The listserv sends everything to everyone. Here, you choose which areas you want to be notified about. The food is auto-mapped so you can instantly see if it's worth walking to. And you don't have to deal with inbox clutter.
Plus, listserv emails take over 10 minutes to even arrive at your inbox. Princeton Free Food will send you a push notification within seconds.
What's the difference between the website and the app?
Notifications.
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The app can send you notifications. The website can't.
Also, if you visit often, you might enjoy having the app as an icon on your home screen.
Is it on the app store?
No. This is a Progressive Web App, which just means the code for the website runs through your browser (Chrome or Safari). But it has the look and feel of a native app when you install it on your phone.
✨Is it free?
Yes.
🧠What if I have ideas?
Got a feature in mind? A wild collaboration idea? Or just want to vent about how your free pizza disappeared too fast? I'd love to hear it all... just please be nice 👉👈. Drop me a note at princetonfreefood@gmail.com.