denmark has new grocery store that sells only unloved foods

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[url]http://www.care2.com/causes/denmarks-newest-grocer-only-sells-unloved-food.html](clicky)denmark's newest grocer sells only unloved food[/url]
what a concept- sell food that looks less than perfect, close to expiration date, scratched/dented but otherwise edible. why can't more stores in America do likewise? we throw out over 40% of our food between the farm/factory and the supermarket [and even more after it's been in our cupboards/fridges a while but that is another post]. they sell these foods for a 30-50% discount and they report always running out of food each business day.
also-
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/2 ... 19340.html

I think it's a really good idea, but I have some strange food issues. I am really particular and almost ritualistic about my foood, how I go food shopping and how I prepare food. I may be too particular to shop at such a place, but I think many would have no problem with it. It would be a great way to eliminate wasting of food that is still edible.

I always make a beeline to the scratch and dent place in my little town. there aren't too many of these particular stores, which here are known as the "shop n'hop."

Actually, this is just the newest development based on an existing concept. Here in Denmark we already have a widespread practice where most supermarkets sell some foods (usually fruit, vegetables, dairy products and meat) close to the expiration date at a discount with a "Stop Food Waste!" label.

From an environmental perspective it's a great boon, and I can regularly get food at one half to one third of the price if its 1-2 days away from the expiration date.

However, it may be less attractive for those who shop for several weeks ahead (like some large families) and do not consume the food right away.

I believe it's common practice to put soon to be expired food on sale to keep from having to throw it away at a loss.

Meats can be frozen if they are about to expire, and thawed to use later. Fruits and vegetables can be prepared to be frozen or canned for later use. There are specific instructions on how to freeze or can different fruits and vegetables.

Typically, fruits and vegetables that have been frozen are best used cooked, because they become soft, but they are still useful in many dishes.

I wonder if anybody nowadays will ever relearn the old wisdom of our ancestors who preserved foods for the long haul? food waste is rather heartbreaking if ya ask me.

Many people are actually getting into food preservation nowadays. I had been researching how to make homemade sauerkraut through natural fermentation, and made kimchi. Although my kimchi was missing a key ingredient that I couldn't obtain here. Certain things cannot be canned safely though without special equipment, or there is a risk of deadly food poisoning. That's why proper research is a necessity.

We have a chain of "99-Cent" stores, where the food prices are low because the cans are dented, et cetera. Low-income people shop there, as do homeless people and others looking for bargains.

Such places provide a needed community service - selling food cheaply.

^^^hopefully that will put a dent [poor pun] in the food waste situation or at least lessen the amount of foodstuffs that end up in the dumpster locked out of reach of hungry folks.

The first time I saw this type of "specialty" store was back in the '60s. The stores I'm thinking of specialized in "rescued" foods from fires, truck or train upsets, business closings, etc. In the very poorest towns/neighborhoods I still see this type of store. You really have to to inspect carefully before buying, but it's dirt cheap.

I haven't seen any stores in our area though that specialize in or advertise out-of-date merchandise.