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.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Senate Votes To End Trump-Era Canada Tariffs With Bipartisan Support

Several Republican senators joined Democrats to stop Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada. The vote, held in the Senate, was a....

Webb Telescope Captures Images Of Asteroid Once Seen As A Threat

The Webb Space Telescope has captured images of asteroid 2024 YR4, which once sparked concern when scientists thought it might....

Liberals Hold 8-Point Lead Over Conservatives In New Nanos Poll

The federal Liberals continue to hold an eight-point lead over the Conservatives as the election campaign reaches its 11th day.....

Carney Reconsiders Buying U.S. F-35 Fighter Jets

Prime Minister Mark Carney is reviewing Canada’s decision to buy 88 F-35 fighter jets, each costing $85 million. The government....

Canada Vows Strong Response To Trump Tariffs, Says Carney

U.S. President Donald Trump declared a major tariff plan on what he called “Liberation Day” on Wednesday. The new policy....

Toronto Police Union Calls For Action After Stabbing Suspect Released On Bail

Toronto’s police union is raising concerns after learning that the suspect in three recent random stabbings had previously been released....

Conservatives Drop Montreal Candidate Over Social Media Posts

A Conservative Party candidate in Montreal has been removed after posts he made on social media. Stefan Marquis, who was....

Man Shot And Killed In Car At Busy Brampton Plaza, Police Say

A man lost his life after being shot while sitting in a vehicle at a crowded Brampton plaza on Tuesday....

Cory Booker Sets Record With 25-Hour Senate Speech Criticizing Trump

Senator Cory Booker made history with a 25-hour speech in the Senate, setting a new record while speaking against former....

Poilievre Faces Backlash For Comments On 'Biological Clocks'

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is facing criticism for comments about young people struggling to buy homes before their "biological clocks"....

Susan Crawford Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Despite Musk’s Push

Susan Crawford has won a 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, securing a key victory for liberals. She defeated....

Windsor-Essex May See Up To 50mm Of Rainfall Soon, Flood Watch Issued

Environment Canada has issued a warning about heavy rain expected this week. Forecasters say rainfall could reach 30 to 50....