It’s no secret that millions of people go hungry in America each day. What makes that fact even more appalling is the amount of food wasted in our country every day. According to the United States Department of Agriculture:
- An estimated 25.9 million tons of food produced for sale and consumption are discarded each year
- This massive disposal costs over a billion dollars a year
- Fresh fruits and vegetables account for half of that discarded food
Much of this food is discarded due to insect infestations, mold, and deterioration, but much of it is discarded for more aesthetic reasons. For example, many of the fruits and vegetables are thrown out for having blemishes or looking generally unappealing. Part of our project’s aim is to get that aesthetically unappealing but nutritious food to people who need it.