Privacy Policy

We collect only what's needed to run the service:

• Account information. Your email address, display name, and neighborhood — provided when you sign up. Authentication is handled by Google Firebase Authentication and optionally through Google or Apple sign-in.
• Approximate location. A neighborhood-level latitude and longitude that you set in the app. We use this to show distances and place items on the map. We do not track your precise GPS location in the background.
• Content you create. Ingredient listings, the images or icons you attach, messages to other members, reservations, and pickup codes generated by the app.
• Basic usage and device data. Log data such as your IP address and in-app interactions, collected for security and reliability purposes.

We use the information above to:

• Operate the service — show nearby ingredient listings, enable reservations and pickups, deliver messages and push notifications.
• Keep the community safe — detect abuse, enforce our Terms of Service, and respond to reports.
• Maintain and improve the app — diagnose bugs and understand how the service is used at an aggregate level.

We do not use your data for advertising and we do not sell your data to any third party.

With other members. Your display name, neighborhood, approximate distance from a listing, ratings, and any listings or messages you choose to post are visible to other FoodXChange members so that pickups can happen. Your precise email address is never shared with other members.

With service providers. We use Google Firebase (Firebase Authentication and Cloud Firestore) to store and process your data on our behalf as a data processor. Their handling of that data is governed by Google's privacy terms. We do not use other third-party analytics or advertising services.

When required by law. We may disclose information if required to do so by a court order, subpoena, or other legal process, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect the safety of any person.

You can edit your profile and delete your listings at any time from within the app. To request deletion of your account and all associated data, email us at the address below and we will remove it promptly.

Your data is stored on Google Firebase infrastructure using industry-standard encryption and access controls. Access to the underlying data is restricted to the app's server processes. No security system is perfect; if you believe your account has been compromised, contact us immediately.

FoodXChange is not directed to children under 13, or the minimum age required in your region. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children below that age. If you believe a child has provided us with their data, please contact us and we will delete it.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will change the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of FoodXChange after a change constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Questions or requests regarding your privacy can be directed to: support@thefoodxchange.com