I was looking for an option that would be convenient, reliable, and not break the bank. To start my search I turned to where else, the internet. Mostly I found meal delivery options, those weren't going to work for me. I love to cook and create food. It calms me. Plus, I didn't want someone to tell me what was on my meal plan every week. Then, I found, Imperfect Foods. It has become the perfect delivery option for me!
I have always known food waste was a HUGE problem in the US. What I didn't know was there are companies doing something about it! On their "About Us" page they shared since opening in 2015, they have saved over 116 million pounds of food. Yes, that's MILLIONS. For me, that was all I needed. I set up an account and ordered my first box!
This was my first box, I was shocked at how much was inside.
As I was unpacking my goodies, I couldn't figure out why most of the items were "imperfect." Then, I noticed stickers on some of the products. As I read them, my mind was blown! These stickers contained the "reason" these goods could not be sold in stores. The kiwi's, they were too small. The limes were not uniformly the same color of green. The Serrano ham had an irregularity in the printing on the label. Keep in mind, everything was legible and I couldn't tell a difference, but nope, not good enough! It goes on and on from there.
When I went back to their website, I read the page dedicated to, "Why Imperfect." Here they share the most common reasons why food goes to waste in America.
It is NOT just fruits and vegetables! We have been able to try many new products at discount prices to see if we like them!
How do you start? First, create an account! Select your delivery schedule and choose whether to add additional package options like meat and grains. I choose to add them because PRO TIP, you can customize everything!
On Friday at 3 pm, I receive an email that lets me know it is time to customize my box. Customization allows me to add items and remove items as needed. Keep in mind they don't have everything under the sun, but they have the basics and more. If I choose to, I can even permanently add or remove items from future boxes. We are not a Mango family so those were permanently removed! Customization closes on Monday morning and my items are normally shipped either Tues. or Weds.
The items arrive in an insulated box with additional ice packs. Depending on our schedule I throw what I need to in the fridge or freezer and I am done!
Look at the size of the Swiss Chard. it is as big as my stove top!
I have been eating more of a plant-based diet for a few months now. It has been great to try items at discounted prices because lets be real. Some of them are just NOT good!
We are now several boxes in and I love them! It gives me back our most precious commodity, time! Plus, I am doing something good at the same time. After my box ships, I can log on to my account and see how many pounds of food, water, and CO2 emissions were saved by my purchase. It is a win-win! I hope you will give it a try and let me know what you think!
