Help & Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions & Support

Everything you need to know about surplus food rescue in Lucknow — adhering to FSSAI (Recovery & Distribution of Surplus Food) Regulations, 2019.

How does the SavePlate safety screen work?

SavePlate enforces the FSSAI 2019 timestamp standard: cooked food has a safe distribution window of 4 hours from preparation (with a hard ceiling at 6 hours if chilled). Food older than this window is automatically held and hidden from the board. Both the food provider and the collecting NGO inspect food sensory quality at handover.

Who can list food on SavePlate?

Restaurants, hotel banquets, institutional and university hostel messes, corporate cafeterias, wedding organizers, and everyday home cooks (via our Ghar Ka Khana community board) can all list surplus food.

Are food donors legally protected when sharing surplus?

Yes. FSSAI's Surplus Food Regulations (2019) protect food business operators who donate food in good faith and follow basic hygiene and time-temperature standards at handover. SavePlate's audit log documents pickup time and verification.

How does Ghar Ka Khana (Neighbours Sharing Food) protect privacy?

When you share home-cooked food, your exact house number, street address, and phone number remain completely hidden. Neighbours only see your general locality (e.g., Gomti Nagar or Hazratganj). Your exact details unlock only after a registered neighbour claims the food, and a pickup code is verified at your door.

How do NGOs collect large banquet or wedding surpluses?

For large events (over 40 kg), hosts can pre-register an Event Drive. SavePlate notifies partner NGOs with transport vans and thermal crates in advance, arranging an agreed pickup time right after dinner service concludes.

Need immediate assistance or have a question?

Our volunteer support team is available via email at support@saveplate.online.