Plain-language glossary
Every Food Finder term in one place
If a word on the site is doing work, it's defined here. Skim, search the page, or link directly to a term.
- Finder
- A neighbor who browses food posted nearby and messages Sharers to arrange a pickup. Food itself is always free between members.
- Both
- A member who shares and finds. Most active neighbors land here — Sharers and Finders are the same people on different days.
- Unopened, not-expired
- The only food that belongs on Food Finder. Sealed packaging, no signs of tampering, and a use-by/best-by date in the future. No prepared meals, no leftovers, no cooked food.
- Pickup window
- The Sharer's chosen time range when an item is available for handoff. Conversations stay inside Food Finder until both sides agree on the meet.
- Handoff
- The in-person exchange of food. Members choose a public, comfortable spot and follow the safety guidelines — Food Finder doesn't handle, transport, or guarantee food.
- Founding member
- One of the first 2,500 paid subscribers. Founding members keep their plan's price for as long as they stay continuously subscribed.
- Anchor statement
- The fixed disclosure surfaced at signup and on legal pages: Food Finder is a subscription-based platform that enables individuals to connect and share food. Food Finder does not facilitate transactions, handle food, or guarantee any aspect of user-provided offerings.
- Subscription-based platform
- Food Finder is the technology that connects neighbors. Members pay a subscription for access to the platform; food is never bought, sold, tipped on, or paid for between members.
- Block, mute, and report
- Built-in tools every member can use on any other member at any time. Reports go to the Food Finder moderation queue; blocks and mutes apply immediately and privately.