Guest Post: Imperfect Produce Is Perfect for Me!

I've talked on this blog about the travesty of throwing away food just because it isn't the right size, shape, or color to suit American's need for perfect produce. In my review of the movie, Wasted, I introduced you to The Daily Table, a grocery store in the inner city of Dorchester, Massachusetts. They sell imperfect produce at perfect prices!  I have also told you several times about HyVee's Misfit Produce program, saving over one million pounds of produce from hitting the garbage heap.  Both of these companies have impressed me with their dedication to our environment and avoiding food waste.  

But, there is another new kid in town and, from what my friend, Sarah Reynolds has shared with me, it's one that we should be be watching! When I found out Sarah was getting fresh. delicious produce delivered to her door at terrific prices, I asked her to write a guest post. 

Let's hear about Imperfect Produce from Sarah!

What is Imperfect Produce?

I first discovered Imperfect Produce a few months ago, researching for a school project about food waste. I was poking around social media to see what people were saying about food loss and food waste, as well as what educational materials might be available for free online. I excitedly checked out their site and learned more about what they were doing, realizing this was exactly the kind of service that was needed. 

Imperfect Produce purchases produce from farmers and producers that is not pretty enough to be sold in traditional grocers at a steal, supporting this network of farmers and producers by buying “their unloved produce” and passing it along to customers who don’t mind, value the environment, and/or are looking for a good deal.

Delivery to your door for less than you'd spend at Aldi!

Although getting organic produce delivered right to your door screams luxury, it is actually extremely affordable – even cheaper than normal prices at ALDI, which is saying something. It also allows more customization for portion sizing, which is helpful since I'm generally just cooking for one or two, whereas ALDI is plentiful family sizing. Whereas at ALDI I’m left to buy a couple dozen mandarin oranges that I am unlikely to get through before they go bad, I can buy them in multiples of three with Imperfect Produce, making it easier to get just the right amount so I don’t pay for more than I can eat. 

Here's an example! 

"Ink" checking out the great fruits and veggies

This week I got:

• 5 limes

• 1 bunch of broccoli

• 6 mandarin oranges

• 2 navel oranges

• 2 pears

• 2lbs carrots

• 3 apples

• 2 avocados

• 1lb russet potatoes

• 1lb yellow potatoes

• 4 lemons

• 1 package grape tomatoes

• 1 butternut squash

• 2 cucumbers

• 1 acorn squash

• 1lb beets

• 1lb red potatoes

What does it cost? 

 This box was $31.62, including the $5 delivery fee. I get my boxes every-other week to reduce the cost of the delivery fee, and plan out produce accordingly. More time-sensitive produce, like oranges and broccoli, get eaten during the first week, but produce items that last longer, like squash and apples, can make their way well into the second week until I get my next box. 

You can select the type of box, produce mix, and frequency of delivery at the website.  

It all adds up to savings!

On average, I am saving about $15 a week compared to what I would spend at ALDI, and wasting far less as I can better control the portions that I am getting! They offer both organic and conventional produce, including fruits, veggies, and even some fresh spices and herbs (such as ginger and thyme).  

The biggest thing to remember is that, despite the name, the produce is all perfectly fine. It is not bruised or wilting, it is not lacking flavor or nutritional value, it’s just not “pretty” enough to match conventional standards. As you can see from the pictures in this article, there’s no significant damages, only a few color variations in the skin or odd sizing.

They all cook well and I have gotten nothing but stellar produce that lasts just as long as, if not longer than, normal produce from the grocery store. They even send a chart with where to store different types of produce to extend their shelf life, and share helpful recipes that include the produce they are sending out!

A reminder of the environmental impact of your dollars. 

To see if they deliver in your area and order your first box, check them out here: http://imprfct.us/ltBHW  

About the author: Sarah Reynolds is a university student who is passionate about communications, writing, and saving money. She lives in the Chicago area with her Jack Russell Terrier mix puppy, Ink, and will graduate with her BA in May of 2019 and pursue a career in social media management. She loves all things soft and fluffy, being a dog mom, making music, and sipping warm drinks from her favorite mugs.

What are your thoughts? 

Is Imperfect Produce in your area? Have you heard of it? If it comes to your area are you going to maybe give it a try? Leave your thoughts in the comments section. 

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Do all to the glory of God, 

Hope