Two 17-year-old Neapolitan teenagers, Matteo Morvillo e Amedeo Valestra, have developed a groundbreaking app called Cucinalo (Cook It), designed to combat food waste by helping users make the most of what they already have in their kitchens. The app, which reads the leftovers in your fridge, suggests recipes based on available ingredients, and gives practical tips to reduce waste, has been gaining attention for its innovative approach to an age-old problem.

The idea for Cucinalo emerged out of the teenagers' concern for food waste, which is a growing issue globally. According to studies, millions of tons of food are wasted each year, and much of this waste comes from households, where ingredients often expire before they can be used. Recognizing this issue, Matteo and Amedeo wanted to create a tool that would help people avoid throwing away perfectly good food.

The app's core feature is its ability to scan the contents of a user's fridge or pantry. By simply taking a picture of the ingredients, the app uses artificial intelligence to identify the items and then suggests recipes that match what is available. The app’s interface is user-friendly, designed to ensure that even those who aren't skilled cooks can easily navigate it.

Once ingredients are detected, Cucinalo offers a variety of recipes, along with tips on how to store food properly to prevent spoilage. This minimizes the chances of users having to throw out leftovers or unused ingredients.

The app's creators emphasize that Cucinalo isn’t just about saving food—it’s also about making cooking at home more accessible. With the rise of fast food and pre-packaged meals, many people have lost touch with basic cooking skills. By using the app, users are encouraged to become more resourceful in the kitchen, experimenting with what they already have, and learning to make simple, healthy meals without needing to go out and buy new ingredients.

Additionally, Cucinalo promotes sustainability by encouraging people to cook with seasonal and local products, which are often cheaper and have a lower carbon footprint compared to imported goods. By helping users choose ingredients that are in season, the app not only reduces food waste but also contributes to more environmentally conscious consumer behavior.

The app is part of a larger trend toward sustainability and environmental awareness, especially among younger generations. It aligns with global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of food waste, which is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. In Italy alone, food waste is estimated to account for nearly 10 million tons of discarded food annually, with households contributing a large portion of this total. Cucinalo aims to change this by providing an easy solution to the problem, turning food scraps into valuable meals.

Another unique feature of Cucinalo is its ability to offer personalized recipe suggestions. The app doesn’t just offer generic recipes based on ingredients—it can take into account dietary restrictions, preferred cooking methods, and even users' taste preferences. This allows it to make the cooking experience both efficient and enjoyable, while still promoting healthier eating habits.

Matteo and Amedeo’s app was born out of a shared commitment to sustainability and technology. Although they are still teenagers, their project has already garnered attention from various sectors, including local businesses and educational institutions. Their school, in particular, has supported the initiative, providing resources and mentorship as the app developed. They also received recognition from environmental groups that praised their creativity and social impact.

The Cucinalo app has been well received in Naples, where food waste is a particularly pressing issue due to the city’s deep culinary traditions and high food consumption. The app provides a way for Neapolitans to reconnect with their local food culture, reducing unnecessary waste while celebrating the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. It is a solution that speaks to the hearts of many people who are passionate about cooking and want to do their part to protect the environment.

In the future, Matteo and Amedeo hope to expand the app’s reach, making it available to a wider audience across Italy and eventually beyond. They envision further developing the app to include partnerships with local farmers, supermarkets, and food banks, to offer users discounts on near-expiry products and allow them to donate unused food to charity. They also plan to add more features, such as meal planning, grocery shopping lists, and even cooking tutorials for beginners.

The app’s launch has sparked discussions about the role of technology in solving social and environmental problems. It highlights how innovative solutions, even those created by young people, can make a real difference in addressing food waste, a problem that affects millions globally. Cucinalo is a reminder that technology can be a force for good, particularly when it is used to promote sustainability, community well-being, and responsible consumption.

Ultimately, Cucinalo is not just an app—it’s a movement. By encouraging people to think differently about their food, to make use of what they already have, and to reduce waste in creative ways, Matteo and Amedeo’s project is helping to change attitudes toward food consumption, one recipe at a time.