try

foodie_utils.py

@@ -904,6 +904,9 @@ def load_used_images():
             with open(USED_IMAGES_FILE, 'r') as f:
                 used_images = set(json.loads(line.strip())['url'] for line in f if line.strip())
             logger.info(f"Loaded {len(used_images)} used images from {USED_IMAGES_FILE}")
+        else:
+            used_images = set()
+            logger.info(f"Used images file {USED_IMAGES_FILE} does not exist yet. Starting with empty set.")
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error(f"Failed to load used images: {e}")
         used_images = set()
@@ -911,6 +914,9 @@ def load_used_images():
 def save_used_images():
     """Save the set of used image URLs to file."""
     try:
+        # Create directory if it doesn't exist
+        os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(USED_IMAGES_FILE), exist_ok=True)
+        
         with open(USED_IMAGES_FILE, 'w') as f:
             for url in used_images:
                 json.dump({'url': url, 'timestamp': datetime.now(timezone.utc).isoformat()}, f)