A customer shops in the produce section at a Metro grocery store In Toronto on Friday, (Cole Burston / The Canadian Press)
As food prices in Canada continue to rise, shoppers are seeking ways to trim their grocery expenses, with a growing number opting for value over aesthetics by turning to companies that offer "misfit" produce at discounted rates.
One such company is Odd Bunch, collaborating with producers and distributors in southern Ontario to rescue fruits and vegetables with minor cosmetic flaws.
Established two years ago, Odd Bunch has seen a recent surge in website traffic and new subscribers, partly attributed to increased dissatisfaction with major grocers and the Loblaw boycott initiated in May. Co-founder Divyansh Ojha notes a rising consumer trend toward conscious shopping, prioritizing affordability and exploring alternative options.
Offering various box sizes with changing contents weekly, their recent "small box" included potatoes (slightly irregular), apples (small-sized), blackberries (discolored), romaine lettuce (unconventional shape), and flawless asparagus. Ojha estimates the box's value at $45-$60, priced at $20.
The concept of food rescue isn't new, with initiatives like Second Harvest, Canada's largest food rescue charity, redirecting surplus food since 1985. Estimates suggest Canada incurs approximately $49 billion in annual food waste, excluding storage, transportation, and disposal costs, which inflate the figure to over $100 billion.
Reducing food waste by 25% globally, as advocated by the United Nations, could potentially eradicate food insecurity. While various entities in Canada, including governments and corporations like Walmart, Loblaws, and Costco, are targeting zero food waste by implementing strategies to divert surplus from landfills, it remains a complex challenge intertwined with global supply chains.
From a business standpoint, minimizing food waste safeguards profits for distributors like Stronach and Sons 2020, enabling cost savings that can benefit consumers. For individuals like Semi George, an Odd Bunch customer since November, access to discounted produce has enhanced purchasing power, allowing for greater variety within a constrained budget.
In essence, as Canadians grapple with soaring grocery costs, initiatives like Odd Bunch offer a practical solution, not only curbing food waste but also empowering consumers to stretch their dollars further amidst economic challenges.
