Save Mart shoppers in Stanislaus can use app for discounts on soon-to-expire food
Save Mart has added all of its Stanislaus County stores to an app that discounts landfill-bound food.
The Modesto-based chain announced the 10 stores Thursday, Aug. 28. It had launched the app in March 2024 at 44 stores in the Bay Area, under the Lucky banner.
The company aims to trim grocery bills while meeting a state mandate to divert waste from landfills. Waste emits methane as it decomposes, a major factor in climate change.
The discounts are up to 50% but apply only to foods that go through the Save Mart distribution center in Lathrop. Outside suppliers, such as Frito-Lay chips and several soft drink brands, are not involved.
Save Mart partnered on the app with Flashfood, a Toronto-based tech firm. Users can check what has been discounted each day, then pick up the goods near the front of the store. The offerings include produce, baked goods, dairy, meat and more.
Flashfood is for items nearing their “best by” dates but still edible.
In a news release, Flashfood CEO Jordan Schenck noted the county’s leading role in food production. “We’re proud to continue working with the Save Mart Companies to bring value to shoppers and reduce the amount of perfectly good food going to waste,” she said.
Save Mart has four stores in Modesto, two in Turlock and one each in Riverbank, Oakdale, Ceres and Patterson. The app cannot be used at FoodMaxx or MaxxValue, which also are part of the Save Mart Cos.
The chain has long donated excess groceries to food banks and continues to do so with those items not claimed on the app. Save Mart also composts spoiled produce. This process does not release methane because it happens in the presence of oxygen.
Flashfood said it serves more than 2,000 grocery stores across North America. The arrangement has kept about 140 million pounds of waste from landfills and saved shoppers more than $355 million.
Flashfood also can accept payment via the debit-like cards for SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. This will be available in Stanislaus by the end of the year.
“At the Save Mart Companies, we’re committed to providing innovative solutions that help families save on nutritious meals,” said Tamara Pattison, senior vice president and chief digital officer.
This story was originally published August 30, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
