Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to Rescue Foodies ("Rescue Foodies", "we", "our", or "us"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Rescue Foodies website, mobile application, and related services (collectively, the "Platform").

Rescue Foodies operates a two-sided marketplace that connects merchants offering surplus food ("Merchants") with consumers ("Consumers") who wish to purchase such surplus food at a discount (collectively, "Users").

By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Platform.

2. Nature of the Platform & Marketplace Role

2.1 Marketplace Only

Rescue Foodies is not a seller, producer, caterer, or distributor of food. All food products listed on the Platform ("Products") are offered, supplied, and sold by Merchants, who are independent third parties.

2.2 No Agency or Employment

Nothing in these Terms creates any partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship between Rescue Foodies and any Merchant or Consumer. Merchants act on their own behalf and are solely responsible for their business operations.

2.3 No Guarantee of Food

We provide a technological platform for discovery, ordering, and payment facilitation. While we encourage high standards, we do not control and are not responsible for:

• The safety, quality, quantity, or legality of the Products;
• The truth or accuracy of Merchant descriptions, menus, or offers;
• The availability or timeliness of Products for pickup.

3. Eligibility & Account Registration

3.1 Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into binding contracts under Philippine law to use the Platform.

3.2 Account Creation

To use certain features, you must create a user account and provide accurate, current, and complete information. You are responsible for:

• Keeping your login credentials secure; and
• All activities that occur under your account.

3.3 Merchant Accounts

Merchants must provide additional information (e.g., business name, permits, contact details). By registering as a Merchant, you represent that you are properly authorized to conduct business and comply with applicable laws (including food safety, sanitation, and consumer protection laws).

4. Use of the Platform

4.1 Permitted Use

You agree to use the Platform only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms.

4.2 Prohibited Conduct

You must not:

• Use the Platform for any fraudulent, misleading, or unlawful activity;
• Circumvent or attempt to circumvent payment processing via the Platform;
• Misuse any review or rating features;
• Interfere with or disrupt the Platform or servers;
• Copy, scrape, or harvest data from the Platform without authorization.

5. Surplus Food, Food Safety & Responsibilities

5.1 Surplus Food Nature

Products listed on Rescue Foodies are typically surplus, near-expiry, or overstock items sold at discounted prices. They may:

• Have limited remaining shelf life;
• Be available only in specific time windows;
• Be subject to quantity and packaging constraints.

5.2 Merchant Responsibilities

Each Merchant is solely responsible for:

• Ensuring Products are prepared, stored, and handled in compliance with applicable laws and regulations (including the Philippine Food Safety Act (RA 10611) and relevant local ordinances);
• Ensuring that Products are safe for consumption at the time of the agreed pickup;
• Providing accurate descriptions of the Product type and any known allergens or warnings, to the extent reasonably feasible.

Rescue Foodies does not inspect, handle, or store any food.

5.3 Consumer Responsibilities – Inspection at Pickup

Because Products are surplus and time-sensitive, Consumers are responsible for inspecting the Products at pickup. By accepting the Products at pickup, the Consumer acknowledges that:

• The Products appear consistent with the description (within reasonable variation);
• There are no obvious signs of spoilage at handover;
• Any specific dietary or allergen considerations have been reviewed.

6. Orders, Pickup, and Fulfillment

6.1 Order Process

• Consumers may browse offers and place orders through the Platform.
• An order is considered confirmed once the Merchant accepts it.
• You must arrive at the specified pickup location within the designated time window.

6.2 Pickup Time Window

Products are often time-limited. Failure to arrive within the pickup window may result in forfeiture of the order without entitlement to a refund.

7. Pricing, Fees, and Payment Processing

7.1 Prices and Discounts

Prices shown on the Platform are set by the Merchant and may include discounts for surplus items.

7.2 Payment Processing via Xendit

Payments on the Platform are processed by Xendit or other third-party payment providers. By making a payment, you agree to the applicable Xendit terms and conditions.

7.3 Senior Citizen and PWD Discounts

Where applicable, statutory discounts for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability (PWDs) shall be honored in accordance with the Expanded Senior Citizens Act (RA 9994) and RA 10754.

8. Ratings, Reviews, and User Content

Users may submit reviews, ratings, feedback, photos, or other content ("User Content"). By posting User Content, you grant Rescue Foodies a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display, and distribute such content in connection with the Platform.

9. Dispute Resolution

9.1 Initial Resolution with Merchant

If you encounter an issue relating to a Product, we encourage you to first raise the matter directly with the Merchant at pickup.

9.2 Escalation to Rescue Foodies

If the issue is not resolved, you may escalate to Rescue Foodies within 24 hours of pickup via our in-app or email support.

10. Cancellations, Refunds, and No-Show Policy

10.1 Consumer-Initiated Cancellation

You may cancel an order before it is accepted by the Merchant with no charge. Once accepted, cancellations are generally not allowed due to the surplus and time-sensitive nature of the Products.

10.2 Merchant-Initiated Cancellation

If a Merchant cancels or fails to provide Products at pickup, you may be entitled to a full refund or account credit.

10.3 No-Show

If you fail to appear within the pickup time window without prior cancellation, the order may be treated as forfeited, and no refund may be granted.

11. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform (excluding User Content and Merchant trademarks/logos), including text, images, graphics, software, and trademarks owned by Rescue Foodies, is protected by intellectual property laws.

12. Data Privacy

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how we handle your personal information in accordance with the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173).

13. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Rescue Foodies disclaims any warranties relating to the Products, including their quality, safety, suitability, or availability. All responsibility for the Products rests with the Merchant.

The Platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis.

14. Suspension and Termination

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform if you materially or repeatedly breach these Terms, or if we are required to do so by law.

15. Changes to These Terms

We may amend these Terms from time to time. Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of the updated Terms constitutes your acceptance of the changes.

16. Governing Law and Venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of the Philippines. Any disputes shall be submitted to the proper courts of Quezon City, Philippines.

17. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding these Terms: