West Bend Grocery Store Combats Food Waste and Insecurity

A new grocery store in West Bend is addressing two pressing issues: food waste and food insecurity. The pay-what-you-can model at Feed It Forward allows residents to access fresh produce while diverting surplus food from landfills. According to city statistics, Toronto households generate over 99,000 tonnes of food waste annually, with more than 50 percent deemed avoidable.

Food waste primarily arises from over-purchasing by consumers and the rejection of produce that does not meet aesthetic standards. Additionally, producers often discard items due to packaging that fails to meet market expectations. At the same time, many residents face challenges in affording adequate nutrition. In December 2024, the Toronto City Council declared food insecurity an emergency, with nearly 25 percent of the population affected, particularly among low-income and marginalized groups, including racialized and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

Innovative Solutions to Food Waste and Insecurity

Feed It Forward’s grocery store leverages excess and rejected produce to combat these issues. The non-profit organization collects high-quality surplus food from restaurants, farms, and retailers, offering it at reduced prices or providing it for free to those in need. CEO Carson Foster emphasized the flaws in the current grocery system, stating, “They create food en masse, without knowing whether it’ll actually be utilized.” He noted that perfectly good food is often discarded simply because it cannot be sold through traditional channels due to best-before dates.

The grocery store is complemented by a free food-sharing app, which encourages community members to share their surplus food with others. Users can upload details about available food items, including type and pick-up location. Store manager Zack B. described the diverse clientele, noting, “You would be surprised how many hugs I get alone… people being like, ‘Oh man, I never knew a place like this existed.’”

Changing Perceptions Around Food

Community members are not only benefiting from affordable groceries but also gaining a sense of belonging and support. Local resident Shane Rankin highlighted the stigma associated with purchasing food that may appear less than perfect. “There’s a social perception about buying food that is almost like secondhand… we live in a world where we like our groceries to look perfect when we buy them,” he said.

Feed It Forward aims to foster a socially responsible community, diverting food from landfills while providing resources for those in need. Plans are underway to relaunch the food-sharing app in December, enhancing its user-friendliness and accessibility.

As the store continues its mission, it stands as a beacon of hope for those facing food insecurity while promoting sustainability through the reduction of food waste. Through innovative solutions, Feed It Forward exemplifies how communities can come together to address pressing social issues.