You've probably heard of ugly fruits and veggies.
They may not be pretty, but they're still perfectly tasty and nutritious. And there are lots of efforts to keep these cosmetically challenged foods (think gnarled carrots, or funky, misshapen apples) from landing in the landfill because they don't meet retailers' beauty standards.
As awareness of massive food waste grows (we toss out enough food to fill 44 skyscrapers each year), two major retailers now say they're ready to experiment with sales of less-than-perfect produce that may otherwise be wasted.
Whole Foods has announced a deal with Imperfect Produce to test sales of funky fruits and vegetables in a handful of stores in Northern California beginning in April. This announcement comes after a Change.org petition called upon the retailer to take up the ugly banner.
"We are still in the very early stages of the conversation," says a Whole Foods spokesperson. The chain already has an in-store composting program. In addition, Whole Foods currently buys less cosmetically appealing produce for prepared foods, juice and smoothie bars.