Emergency Preparedness

Coronavirus – Hysteria or Pandemic?

Matthias Schmid

February 20, 2020

The coronavirus, which caused millions of cities in China to be locked down weeks ago, is once again increasingly in the media. Over the weekend, cases were reported in Italy, and now several cases are known in Munich as well. On social media and internet forums, people are starting to worry. What does this mean for each individual as a person and for our families? Will public facilities be closed here soon or cities be locked down? It was heard on the radio that Bavaria wants to revise its pandemic plan.

Even though an infection with the coronavirus is unproblematic in most cases, I can understand the fears and concerns of the people.
What actions does the outbreak now justify in Germany for a family living in Germany? I think that rash actions or panic are not appropriate - not least because they do not help.
Taking a moment to pause and think about what the German Federal Government recommends to each of its citizens even when there is no virus in the media is certainly sensible. For example, this would be having a 10-day supply of food at home to be able to provide for the family in unforeseen situations without panic and stress.

Exactly what we have done in the past few weeks: We have stocked up on supplies in time. If there is no major outbreak or panic buying, we are provisioned for the time being. If nothing else happens, we will gradually consume the supplies over the next few months - and nothing will go to waste. We are now much more relaxed about the possibility of panic buying leading to empty shelves in the supermarket. If the federal government were to recommend staying at home for safety, that wouldn't stress us either.
For an additional financial expense of 0€, in my view, it's worth it for anyone who can clear a little space on a shelf for this.

My recommendation is therefore: Stay cool and plan ahead with care.

New laws on food waste in Spain

Spain has recently passed a groundbreaking law to combat food waste. This law requires all actors in the food chain, from producers to retailers, to implement specific plans to prevent food loss.

Key provisions of the law:

Obligation to donate surplus food: Supermarkets with a floor space of more than 1,300 square meters are now required to form partnerships with non-profit organizations to donate surplus food that is still fit for consumption. These donations are exempt from value-added tax.

Offer of packaging for leftover food: Restaurants and bars are required to provide their guests with free, reusable or recyclable packaging so that they can take home uneaten food. The aim is to raise consumer awareness of food waste and encourage them to take leftovers with them.

Promotion of the sale of products with approaching expiration dates: Retailers should offer products that are nearing their expiration date or have aesthetic defects at reduced prices to encourage their sale and reduce waste.

Hierarchy of priorities for dealing with surplus food: The law establishes an order for handling surplus food. Priority is given to human consumption through donations. If this is not possible, the food should be used for the production of processed products. The last options include using it as animal feed or for energy generation.

Sanctions for violations:

Companies that violate the provisions of the law can expect fines ranging from 2,000 to 500,000 euros.

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Critique and Outlook:

While the law is considered an important step in the fight against food waste in Europe, there is also criticism. Some voices argue that the strict framework of sanctions could disproportionately burden companies and that the law does not sufficiently address the role of consumers, who are responsible for a significant portion of food waste.

Nevertheless, the law is seen as a significant advancement in reducing food waste and promoting a more sustainable awareness in society.

Join in and reduce food waste! πŸŒ±πŸ“²

Spain's new law demonstrates: Sustainability starts in the pantry! With the Speisekammer App you can keep track of your groceries, plan meals efficiently, and avoid unnecessary waste.

πŸ‘‰ Download the app now and join the movement for less waste and more conscious consumption! πŸ’š Try it now!

August 27, 2025
2 min read

Get the most out of your Smantry App: Activate these premium features!

πŸ–ΌοΈ Private photos for your articles

Make your inventory management visual! With the feature "Upload Your Own Images" you can add a photo to each item – for example, of the packaging, the jar, or the portion in the freezer. This is especially helpful if you share with others in a community or if you want to visually remember your supplies better.

Activation: Open app β†’ Account (last tab in the mobile app) β†’ Settings β†’ "Activate Personal Pictures"

πŸ” Target nutritional information

The app automatically displays calorie and nutritional information – super convenient when you're shopping or eating mindfully. Don't need this info right now or want a cleaner view? You can also simply hide the display!

Control:Profile β†’ Account Settings β†’ Enable β€œHide Nutritional Information”, to hide it.

πŸ’Ά Prices & Expenses at a Glance

If you want to know how much you spend on which item or how much money is lying dormant in your pantry, the Price Entry feature can help you. With it, you can plan your shopping even better and even track your budget.

Activation: Open app β†’ Account (last tab in the mobile app) β†’ Settings β†’ β€œEnable price input”

πŸ’‘ Prepper Mode: Even More Control

The Prepper Mode has been introduced for those who really want to keep track of everything – including minimum quantities, emergency supplies, and individual notes for serious situations. It's also useful if you just want to make sure you never run out of anything important.

Activation: Open app β†’ Account (last tab in the mobile app) β†’ Settings β†’ β€œShow Prepper Information”

Here's how you can find your account settings

In the mobile app you can find the settings easily in the last tab on the far right (Account). In the web app click on Account β†’ "Settings".

All mentioned features are part of the Premium-Version. If you don't have a premium license yet, feel free to check in the app or on app.speisekammer.app/upgrade – there's also a family license available!

✨ Conclusion: You have more options than you think. Activate the hidden premium features now and get the most out of your Smantry app. Because smart inventory management starts with the right tools.

If you have any questions about activation, feel free to contact support or check out our Help Center. And if you have feature requests – we always welcome your feedback!

July 30, 2025
2 min read

Never forget leftovers again: Soon you'll be able to mark opened products πŸ§ƒβœ¨

πŸ’‘ The new feature: Mark products as "opened"

With the upcoming update, you will soon be able to specify in the Pantry App when a product was opened. This way, you always keep track:

  • What is already open
  • Since when it has been open

This is particularly useful for fresh or perishable food items, but also for sauces, canned goods, spreads, or snacks.

πŸ”” Reminders included

Of course, if you wish, you will also be automatically reminded, when an opened product should soon be consumed – all in keeping with the motto: Use rather than waste.

🎯 Why this is important

Food waste often doesn't occur while shopping – but at home, in everyday life. If we know better what is open and should be consumed, it becomes easier to make the right decisions. And that's exactly what the Pantry App wants to support you with even better with the new feature.

πŸ›  When will it be time?

We are currently working hard on the implementation – the feature is expected to be rolled out in the next update. So you will be able to test it very soon yourself.

If you want to participate in the testing or have feedback, feel free to write to us in support. We look forward to your ideas!

With the Pantry App, stockpiling becomes not only more sustainable, but also easier – step by step.

Stay tuned – it's getting exciting! πŸ’š

July 25, 2025
1 min read

🌍 Small ideas – big impact: These companies help you save food in everyday life

🍏 Foodsi (Poland)

This mobile app connects users with restaurants, bakeries and cafΓ©s offering surplus food at reduced pricesβ€”especially valuable in Polish cities like Warsaw or KrakΓ³w.


πŸ”—
foodsi.pl

πŸ›οΈ OLIO – Share Surplus Food with Neighbors

OLIO connects neighbors and local businesses to share surplus food instead of throwing it away. Users can offer or request free food via the app β€” reducing waste and building community.


πŸ”— https://olioapp.com

🍌 Imperfect Foods – Selling "Ugly" but Edible Food

This U.S.-based grocery delivery service rescues "imperfect" produce and surplus goods that major supermarkets reject due to appearance or overstocking β€” and delivers them directly to your door.

πŸ”— https://www.imperfectfoods.com

πŸ“¦ Dispatch Goods – Reusable Packaging for Takeout

Dispatch Goods partners with restaurants to replace single-use containers with reusable packaging. This reduces packaging waste β€” and their system tracks and collects the containers for reuse.


πŸ”— https://www.dispatchgoods.com

πŸ₯¬ Fresh.Land – Farm-to-Consumer to Prevent Waste (DK)

Fresh.Land shortens the supply chain by connecting consumers directly with farmers. This means fresher produce, longer shelf life, and fewer losses due to long storage or transport.


πŸ”— https://www.fresh.land

🧊 ColdHubs – Solar-Powered Cold Storage in Nigeria

ColdHubs installs solar-powered cold rooms for small farmers and markets to store perishable foods. This innovation significantly extends shelf life and reduces spoilage in hot climates.

πŸ”— https://www.coldhubs.com

πŸ§ƒ Winnow – AI to Track Food Waste in Commercial Kitchens

Winnow’s smart scales and AI help restaurants and hotels measure and reduce food waste. By showing how much food is wasted and why, kitchens can adapt their behavior.

πŸ”— https://www.winnowsolutions.com

Why this matters for you

When you use the Smantry app, you can track and manage rescued food items in your pantry – whether they came from Foodsi, Karma, or another initiative. We’re building integrations to log these products, set reminders, and reduce waste in your household.

Know any other businesses doing this well?

We’d love to hear about them! Email your favourites to kira@mantry.com or write us in the chat or social media. Your tip might inspire others and be featured next. 🌿

July 24, 2025
2 min read