CAPITAL DISTRICT — Hannaford Supermarkets has joined a national trend of selling slightly imperfect fruits and veggies at discounted prices.
On Monday, May 16, Delmar’s Hannaford on Delaware Avenue and Voorheesville’s Hannaford on Maple Road were two of 15 stores to receive “misfit” fruit and vegetable bins.
The misfits, are described as “produce items that are less-than-perfect looking,” which may be slightly discolored or not uniform in size; in some instances with an unusual shape, color or bump. But, Hannaford said, “The misfit food is just as nutritious and flavorful as other produce.” It will be selling for a substantially lower price than its conventional counterparts.
Hannaford’s trial of this product line at Albany-area stores is part of an international trend in the sale of irregular-looking produce, popular in Europe and just beginning in parts of the United States. The purchase of these items by Hannaford will help reduce food waste on farms, where an estimated 30 percent of crops do not make it to market because those fruits and vegetables are not the ideal appearance.
“Our supermarkets pride themselves in making sure that any produce we don’t sell goes to local food pantries or, when it is not appropriate for donation, to composting and animal feed,” said Hannaford Spokesman Eric Blom. “Misfits takes that to another level by helping to reduce farm waste, while providing our customers with another option for nutritious fruit and vegetables.”
Misfits items, which will vary from week to week, will be sold in the produce section of the following Hannaford stores: Albany; Cairo; Clifton Park; Colonie; Delmar; East Greenbush; Glenville; Kinderhook; Latham; Livingston; Troy; Voorheesville; West Sand Lake; and Wynantskill. The offering will include items such as apples, oranges, cucumbers, tomatoes, mini watermelon, squash and more.
