Public break-ups are tacky, aren’t they?
But how else was I suppose to tell you that Mr. Produce Guy and I broke up last week?
We were talking about spotted bananas when I suggested he should try tossing 20 pounds of brown bananas in a box and putting an incredibly cheap price on the bananas just so they wouldn’t end up being tossed out everyday.
Mr. Produce Guy said he “had tried that before and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, and anyway, the food bank comes by everyday now and picks up our unsaleable produce.”
Hold. The. Phone.
“What?” Well I don’t want to take free food if the food bank can use it.”
“Nah, there is enough to go around, don’t worry.”
But I did worry. In fact I worried about it for 5 days straight until I decided to hop in my car Friday morning and drive to the store and tell Mr. Produce Guy that I didn’t feel comfortable picking up “chicken scraps” anymore.
I couldn’t bear the thought of getting scratch and dent produce anymore when I knew it could be going to the food bank instead. After all, I HAVE A GARDEN and the means to buy my own food.
I handed over a big plate of chocolate cookies and ended our 1 year 9 month produce romance.
All good things must come to an end I suppose. 🙁
~Mavis
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Sara says
I have to be honest and say I am so glad to hear this. Every time you had posted one of your free produce posts I would cringe, my mind just kept thinking about the people that could truly use those fresh fruits and vegetables. This is one break-up I think was for the better. Way to go Mavis!!
shannon says
That’s so awesome! Most food banks are in dire need these days. I would have had the same inner struggle taking it after finding that out. Way to be a girl scout Mavis =)
Shannon
Patty P says
I agree that this break up is good…but you crack me up… we “ended our 1 year 9 month produce romance.”
Carol says
I am so very proud of you, Mavis! The food bank I sthe best place for that produce, now that you know about the situation. By you even posting about getting the free food from your grocer (I hope he gets over you, it will be hard, I know) you taught the rest of us to look at food options differently. You have helped to expand my ways of preserving the foods I bring home, and I’m just one person…..As Sara said in the above post: WAY TO GO!!!!
Mandy P says
That’s what our grocery store does too. I went in to ask for produce and was happy to know it was going to someone in need and not into the garbage.
Cathy says
Very generous of you!
Debra Perry says
My grocery store flat out told me that the ” aren’t allowed” to give the old produce to anyone :(.
PattyB says
mine too!
AllieA says
Our produce guy said the same thing … so he (ahem) secretly sets it aside for me at the back… no food bank situation here, and it’s not a regular occurrence, but it’s something!
Liberty says
I assumed you knew stores did that with left overs. All over here do and have for as long as I have known. I think you simply lucked out with a person willing to share thinking it was ‘really’ for animals, you most likely got the up kier stuff.
Mavis Butterfield says
Actually, when I first started picking up produce, the store did not donate their excess produce to the food bank at that time. It was only after discovered the store was donating it that I decided to stop picking it up. 🙂
Roo says
Lots of stores DON’T donate their excess anything. More stores don’t do it than do. Especially big chains – they don’t like the paperwork. You’re a good person, Mavis.
Tina B says
Roo, you are right, but I have to give a huge shout out to the Intermountain Albertsons stores, as the one that I use DOES donate their “day old” meats, breads and produce to the local food bank. When I heard that, it made me feel good. We have a huge, and growing, need for donations to our local food bank, and to know that the food wasn’t going to waste was good news to me.
Mavis, I think you did the right thing in choosing to allow all the produce to go to the food bank. I think I would have done the same as you, if I were in your shoes. I am curious how this will affect your grocery expenditures now.
Cynthia Skelton says
A lot of stores do just throw it away. It is definitely best if the store would donate to a food bank/soup kitchen, but if they are going to throw it away, even feeding it to birds is better.
Rosalea says
Not every store does this – it depends on where you are. The stores around here (Portland, Oregon) vary in terms of what they do. I was even surprised that our local organic foods store (New Seasons) doesn’t even do that.
Desi says
Mavis, you are such a kind and generous person!!! I know this will be hard for you, breakups are terribble 🙂 Just remember all the good times you had.
Wynne says
Exactly!
Jessica W says
Mavis, the Renton Community Co-Op collects/shares gleans that cannot be directed to food banks in the area (either logistical reasons or expiration or corporate liability). Often the gleaners are called upon woth hours or minutes of warning when a grocery’s freezers fail–I once got a very large glean of frozen bulk pork and crab legs–which I did deliver to a community feeding program, since they were still fully frozen and in a cooler, but most everything we got couldnt go to a food bank or feeding program because of refrigeration or expiration issues. It is a really neat organization.
Challlice says
Mavis, before you drown yourself in Ice cream thinking about all the good taht the produce could have done… let me enlighten you. 😉
OUr food bank here gets produce like you. However, most is thrown out. Most people today do not want the produce- they want the bread, pasta and other things that don’t require work. They have to throw out produce every day. I can go when they are done for the day and take all the throw out scraps for my own chickens… and it’s amazing how much is there. I can feed the chickens (when I had them) for several days on the produce received.
So, don’t feel bad. Many people just want a free handout with no work. Not saying that there aren’t hard workers (my neighbor is one that gets all the produce tey will let her have and turns it around to feed her family and even sometimes shares with us when she has an abundance) but most people really don’t want the work.
Or maybe that is just my town……………
Madam Chow says
This exact same this happens at my food bank, too.
Lana says
Our son-in-law is an outreach pastor and works with those who are down and out and what he sees is that people don’t have the knowledge and skills or possibly even the equipment to deal with produce. He is finding that many families don’t have a stove or even pots and pans and sharp knives. They rely on microwave and convenience foods because that is all they can manage.
Nancy says
Mavis, Your good intentions are rewarded… but happens in my town too… People don’t know how to or want to cook fresh healthy food. Sad but true! So you are not taking from the mouths of babies… you are sending what your chickens enjoy to the dump! Go back and get your produce and enjoy it, you might want to hit up the pantry if it makes you feel better. I am sure they would give you what they toss. Our pantry gives to a farm. God Bless
Heather Miller says
I’m sure this happens where we are as well. I have always cooked from scratch. I have 6 children and I can’t imagine how we would have survived over the years if I didn’t plan and cook from scratch. I was able to pickle and can so many wonderful things from what we received from the food bank. I would hope people could learn how to prepare food, but its a dying art form. I was so lucky to be raised by a mother who gave me the skills that I now teach my daughters.
Terri Davison says
One more vote for “You did the right thing.” Only take produce that would otherwise go in the garbage. Mr. Produce Guy is a good guy.
It’s sad how many businesses don’t donate their leftovers. I used to work in an airport that had a Dunkin Donuts that I had to pass several times a day. Getting to know the workers, I learned that they were required to throw all donuts, pastries, bagels, croissants….EVERYTHING…in the garbage can when they were preparing to close. They brought the trash can out to where the trays of donuts were displayed and made a point to throw them away in public sight. They did it that way to make sure everyone knew, because they would be fired if they took any home or took any to a homeless shelter or gave any of it away.
I stopped buying my coffee at Dunkin Donuts when I found this out. So wrong.
jen says
I worked at a donut shop and when we had to throw out donuts we made sure donuts were the only thing in the otherwise clean garbage bag. It was against the rules of our local health department to give away the day olds. I know we made at least several peoples day a bit brighter by doing so. Even the day olds were really really good. Cheers to dumpster diving adventures and scores!
Rachel B says
Thank you, Jen! I have been a dumpster diver in the past (though now I live too far from civilization to make it worth the drive) and have so appreciated it when foods were still nicely packaged in clean bags. My family, friends, and church enjoyed a ton of free donuts after one especially large haul. 🙂
Heather Miller says
My husband and I love reading what you write everyday. “What did Mavis say this morning?” Has been a daily enjoyment for both of us since I stumbled upon you one day on Pinterest. I want to thank you for your honesty in this, so easily people nowadays turn the other way. So often I’ve been disappointed by the lack of morals in people I’ve come across. My family has had hardship recently and made use of our local food bank. Finding the fresh produce at the end of the line that was so graciously donated has been such a blessing. Thank you Mavis for keeping our humor up and now, most certainly, our respect!
Mark says
It is against the law for a food store to give it’s unwanted or outdated produce to the public. They have to destroy it. Crazy isn’t it?
Mark says
I should say it’s against the law where I live.
Tracy Sch says
I applaud the stores that give their excess to food banks or the Gleaners. So many just throw it in the garbage and it’s so, so wrong. I have really enjoyed your posts on this subject and how you used the produce.
Stephanie says
I dont know about the produce, but the Starbucks at my local Albies donated all their day old pastries to our local food bank!
jen says
So much food in my neck of the woods is donated to our local food bank. Which is awesome right? Except that at the end of the day even the food bank tosses a lot of food. 🙁 I’m in a position where that unwanted food would really help us out but I’m more likely to ask around for “chicken scraps” at the store then to go through the long food bank lines.
You’ve got to do what sits right with you though, so in the end I hope by passing that food up you really are helping out a couple of families.
On the bright side, you don’t want to be eating that non-organic produce when you’re growing the best stuff right in your back yard, even if it is free. I hope you’re able to use the food you’re growing to trade for other goodies you don’t have the space, climate, time to grow.
Tammy says
I used to pick up food for our church food bank, and the produce available at the food bank was piled into milk crates, rotten, dripping, and disgusting. I hardly ever picked up fresh produce, simply because it was truly inedible. I am not saying, of course, that this is the situation in your area! Just that in the year or so that I visited the food bank, it was a rarity to see nice produce. So don’t feel too badly for taking the produce over the last year+!
jody says
Mavis,
I would ask Mr. Produce how to contact the food bank. I has my first community garden plot this year and after sharing with neighbor’s I thought it would be great to donate to the food pantry. The responce I got was, “MORE vegetables “, I left them but what I really wanted to do was take them and run! When I donate my hope is that they will bless someone not go to waste. We have a wonderful farm a few towns over who has the right idea,they not only grow to donate, they educate. They hold cooking demonstrations to teach people how to prepare a vegetable they may have never tried, they show them its not so hard to cook with fresh ingredients. So… maybe you should now date Mr. Foodbank and obtain HIS waste. OR… if you are able, educate their clients who might otherwise avoid their fresh offerings available to them. There’s my two cents. Better to have loved and lost they say,may time heal your wounds.
Donna Jantzer says
“Love is all I ever hoped to find here, Love is now the reason I must go.” John Denver
Donna Jantzer says
Best break-up song ever!
Cindi Myers says
Mavis,
I applaud your sacrifice for the sake of the food bank — but I urge you to contact the food bank yourself and offer to pick up produce from them for your chickens. I volunteer at our local food bank and much of the fresh produce we get has to be tossed. We’re a small community and though the food bank provides a needed service, we can’t give away all the produce we receive before it goes bad. We would love to be able to donate some of it for someone’s chickens or pigs!
Unlike canned goods, produce requires refrigeration and space that are at premium at food banks. Plus, people are reluctant to sort through bags of stuff to pick out the “good” stuff — as you did. I’ll bet your produce guy was giving the food bank the best stuff and, knowing at least some of yours was going to your chickens, giving you less desirable things that would have gone to waste at the food bank.
Mindy says
I’m with several of the other comments – I would be willing to bet the food bank throws out way more than your family was consuming. The grocery stores I’ve asked for “chicken scraps” all have said they can’t give it away OR donate it.
Our neighbor picks up food for donations at his church and he always comes home with tons of produce because no one wants it. They all want he day old bread, donuts, etc. It’s a shame and it makes me sick to my stomach. Especially being a family who is raising three kids with one income (I’m a SAHM by choice). We’d take free produce in a heartbeat.
jen l a says
Sorry to hear of your breakup …but way to make a kind choice! Regardless of what people may or may not do with it at a food bank, you are making a kind choice! I try to help charities when I can and even knowing there are abusers of the system I still try to help when possible. I can only control my choices and I want to feel good about them. Positive thought for you..now you can grow more kale for the chickens! Lol
Becky says
Our local health food store had two piles – the better stuff went to the food bank and they gave away the compostable stuff. You did great Mavis!
Gary W. Miller says
Mavis, you did the right thing. The cookies were a nice way to end it.
Alice says
You are a good egg.
Cynthia says
You have a good heart. I asked a produce manager about scraps for my chickens (yes I have chickens) and he wouldn’t share with me. Too much hassle. I don’t think they give to a food bank either. At least you had a good running relationship.
PattyB says
From reading the comments above, it seems that those truly in need of fresh produce don’t know what to do with it. Fresh produce is a luxury to those with little money. Fast food, processed food can be bought for cheap and that’s what they do to keep some kine of food in their bellies. I applaud the the programs I see who give cooking/preparation lessons with the fresh produce. I think that is the next step in helping those who need it. We need more of that.
Mindy says
Best breakup story ever : )
Amber B says
Tough decision! When you first started getting that produce, I followed your advice and talked to my favorite produce guy. He used to be my favorite checker – we even shared coupons with eachother – until he got promoted to produce. He said my grocery store also gives its marginal prduce to the local food bank. I was bummed, but how could I begrudge the food bank – especially since I had served on the board for a while? Keep plowing on, Mavis!
Lisa says
I broke up with my produce guy back in June. I didn’t want to. My family actually needs the produce for our pets and our family. However, it’s a 15 drive to and from the store and another older guy was going on the same days we were, so we weren’t getting as much and we had to keep going earlier and earlier, like 5:30am! It was nice while it lasted and I really appreciated it.
Kristina says
I appreciate your desire to help those in need! But you might also call the food bank in question. I know ours is overwhelmed with food – they often have things that spoil because they have more food than “customers.” Just a thought 🙂
mildred lane says
I would think if he donates the left overs to the Food Bank he can write that off his income tax. No way would u be able to get throw aways here for chicks or humans. Too fearful of being sued.
Serina C says
Good job Mavis! It’s good to see food not go to waste. I work at Starbucks and we donate all leftover pastries to the Food Bank and USO which they pick up twice a week. Unfortunately, meat/cheese/more perishable items have to get thrown out because of the health risk involved.
Sophia says
How very honorable of you to end your relationship for all of the right reasons. You can hold your head up high, no regrets, knowing that you gave it your all – and so did he…until it had to end. Having integrity is the most important thing…ever. Maybe you could find a “seedier” relationship to take the place of this one!
Maggie Carraway says
LOL…that is one of the funniest “puns” I’ve ever heard!
Marcia@Frugal Healthy Simple says
That was a really nice thing for you to do, and I found that the comments were also very interesting and enlightening.
I really like the idea of food not going to waste. First, it be eaten by humans, then be eaten by animals, finally compost.
I’ve noticed over the last five years or so that it is much more common for stores to donate food to the food bank. Where there used to be discount racks for produce or bread at the stores, only a couple of stores still do this. It’s harder to get great sales for me, but better for the county’s hungry.
I agree with a few of the commenters who noted that the food bank may throw out a lot of produce. If you really want to be sure that the food’s not getting wasted, you can always check with the food bank for your chicken scraps – see how much that Mr. Produce Guy gives up actually gets eaten.
Karen A. says
Mavis, your awesome!! I just love your blog and I have to say, regarding the free produce, I would have done the same thing 🙂 You just did it with such humor!! lol It may take Mr. Produce Guy a while to get over you, but a clean break was definitely the way to go (the cookies were a great ” post -break- up- smooth- over” as well!)
HollyG says
For the break-up I would definitely recommend ice-cream, footie pajamas, a fuzzy blanket and a viewing of Lady Hawk. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and Rutger Hauer might make you forget that produce guy.
Michelle R says
Mavis,
I’m going to be honest and say that I have not had the chance to read all the responses on here but as the wife of a wonderful man who runs the food bank at our church I would encourage you to contact the food bank for chicken food. Some weeks my husband barely has enough food but most weeks there is a lot of extra foods that just won’t last. Top that with some occasionally VERY picky recipients and you get some wonderful left overs that the church has to pay to throw away. Every Tue night my chickens get bread and leafy greens. Sometimes an overripe melon or two. What’s very, very bad usually goes to a local pig farmer. If you can connect with a food bank that is only open once a week you will probably be doing them a favor. To have to pay for garbage pick up when it can go to livestock is just another expense that could be used for the needy.
Michelle
Brenda says
I have to 100% agree with the first poster here, Sara, as that is exactly is what I was thinking. I am very glad to hear this, Mavis.
Allison says
Good job Mavis! My kids volunteer at the FISH. They are down in donations badly. The local Costco also donates the old bread and baked goods. I will miss seeing what you received, maybe I’ll hear about it on the other side now.
Karen says
They won’t let us get “chicken scraps” from the stores in California. In fact if you take it out the garbage you can get a ticket! I’ll miss seeing all that fresh produce you would get. Keep up the good work!
Preppy Pink Crocodile says
Oh man- that’s so sad. Mostly because I loved seeing what you got for free. But you so made the right call and I would have done the same thing. I’m glad actually that they do have a program with the food bank. I know not all grocery stores do that so yours clearly has their heart in the right place.
KK @ Preppy Pink Crocodile
ann says
If your gain was truly taking away from the food bank, then yes – you did the right thing. However, your produce guy might have been telling the truth when he said there was enough to go around. There’s a food distributor in my area that gives lots of food to a local shelter and food bank, and they STILL have extra (which my family has been lucky enough to get for our animals) because the shelter and food bank can only take so much when it comes to fresh produce that will go bad if they can’t use it fast enough. I agree with Michelle R who said you might want to contact your local food bank to see if you can help them out by taking some of their excess… then you won’t be taking stuff they can use, but helping them by taking what they will have to toss anyway. 🙂
SJ says
I agree that giving up the extra fro those in need was the right choice. But if other readers are correct and the shelters are going to throw out extra, contact them so you still can get “chicken scraps” and not feel like you are taking away from someone in need.
Bit zagged here. Your breakup was your choice, for a good reason. I was informally inform today from a colleague that I will lose my job, so my break-up was not my choice.
3Boysmom says
We have a cute little rental that shares an alley with a church that gives away bags of food on a daily basis. Want to know what else is in that alley? Lots of food (especially veggies) that gets chucked out from the recipients of the free food. Some people need/want the free stuff, but by the looks of it, only if the food is boxed mac-and-cheese.
Shannyn says
When I read your posts, I totally did NOT think you were “taking from the poor” or anything since in my experience (as many have said) food banks do not take fresh produce. When I’ve volunteered at Homeless Shelters, the most perishable they had was GoGurts that needed to be consumed within a few hours so folks could have some protein. I never saw anything fresh, but even when I volunteered at the food pantry, again, it was mainly dairy the rest was non-perishable.
We sorted a lot of cans, breads and pastas and we handed out cheeses and yogurts. Rarely did I ever see bagged salad or veggies from the grocers, but we’d have TONS of their old cakes and breads.
If the pantry/shelter is using it, awesome. But it never crossed my mind that you’d be “taking” from anyone since most don’t use the produce (sad!) for families, now that you’ve learned different, let’s hope your local shelter/pantry is putting it to good use and setting a trend!
Robin says
I appreciate your kind nature, Unfortunately I have volunteered in the local food banks around the state and most of the bruised, dented fruit and veg isn’t taken for some odd reason the hungry think it’s beneath them to eat what you and others would consider just fine. I would look into the local food banks throw out bin unless they worry about liability there is usually one that is filled with “pig food” and is perfect for the animals or it just gets thrown into compost..
Shannon says
He may be right that there’s enough to go around. Our church has gotten food bank food before because there was just too much for the food bank to process. Also, the stuff you’ve fed to your chickens that you didn’t find edible won’t be eaten by food bank patrons, anyway. But, I definitely understand your concern.
Sarah says
Mavis, might I suggest you ‘make up’ with Mr Produce Guy, continue to feed your chickens, and donate eggs to the same food bank? My reason for the suggestion is as many commenters have pointed out – many people don’t have the awareness, time, tools, or storage capacity to do what you do and glean the good eats out of the expired mess. Lots of the stuff you bring home truly are chicken scraps, and most people would be turned off by having to accept them as donations, or even pick through them. However, I’m sure the foodbank would appreciate beautiful fresh eggs, right? Or, if eggs were some sort of ‘issue’, perhaps your canning or baking or dehydrated goods could be donated? You’d be turing waste into higher value donations for the needy, you’d have food bank connections to blog about (you could weigh your annual donations the way you do with your garden) as well as continuing your MPG pro-mance. And I’m sure none of your readers would mind if your family ate a little of it while you did so much work for the needy… Maybe you should talk to your food bank about which they’d prefer? Or poll your readers on this idea? I’d LOVE to see what waste you save and how you transform it into foodbank donations people would LOVE…and you’d also still be keeping true chicken scraps from being wasted by feeding them to your chickens! If you took that ‘box of bruised bananas’ home and turned it into loaves of banana bread for the hungry (for example), isn’t that a win/win/win/win?
Katrina says
Having volunteered for a charity where we went to buy food (its very cheap, but does cost $, though maybe not at all of them?) at the food bank for those in need, usually the fresh produce was rotten when we arrived at 6 am to buy.
I hate seeing wasted food and of course wanted to see people eating fresh food instead of only boxed/canned stuff. I would make an effort to buy fresh stuff only to have it already smelling funny (the pre packed veg/fruit) or half moldy/ or only good to use that day, by the time it was sorted through, the ‘good’ sorted stuff already turned bad the next day when it was given out. After a few times of this we just didn’t even buy it anymore.
I agree with Sarah about ‘making up’ 🙂 with ‘Mr. Produce’. Perhaps, personally gathering a few folks in need and sharing the produce with them or as Sarah suggested, share the eggs straight with a needy family or fresh straight to a shelter where they could process the fresh stuff quicker then it sitting at the food bank rotting away.
Bless you for thinking of those in need though.
Suzanne P. says
Good for you!
Crystal Snedegar says
At least you have a great reason to stop taking the free produce. I have asked all around my area, and can get no free produce. In California, the companies have to put all the old produce into a bin to be CRUSHED AND USED AS COMPOST! What an absolute waste!!! One of the produce guys told me it breaks his heart because he knows a lady that comes and “buys expensive Romaine lettuce just for her iguana!”
Vanessa says
That’s very sweet Mavis that you thought about it for days! I love your blog and can’t wait for what’s in store for 2014.
Deanna says
I volunteer at the local food bank on Tuesdays. they arent open on Wed so anything that wont hold over until Thurs we get to chose from. I do a good deed and still get to have some freebies that would other wise get pitched out. Plus I get a box of chicken/goat feed
Dawn says
You have the best blog and readers! R E S P E C T!! Just love the love and support from this place. Mavis you are fantastic! Best wishes to everyone who is struggling at this time. Life is full of ups and downs. Let’s lift each other up! This blog is a wonderful place to do so. Thanks again Mavis!! Love your spirit and heart!!
Shan G. says
Mavis- I stumbled across your blog last year and I love seeing what you are growing and doing to conserve resources and still feed your family healthfully! (I wish we had weather closer to yours for my vegetable garden, but we are forced to deal with insane heat here in the South.) I wanted to weigh in on the food bank discussion. As one who volunteers with multiple food banks and shelters in our area (Dallas/Ft. Worth) I can say that some shelters (ie North Texas Food Bank) do process, store and provide fresh produce to those in need. They have the capacity and refrigerators and it’s one of their initatives moving forward to source more fresh produce. I bagged grapefruits during one volunteer weekend and let me tell you, there were a bunch of pallets! Also, in Ft. Worth, Target donates their pastries and some other grocery products (not sure exactly waht as I don’t work there, I just volunteer) to a local mission that actually cooks and serves meals to the homeless on weekends. Their staff is so creative and the coordinator described it perfectly when she told me it’s like being a contestant on Master Chef for them, as they never know what will be in their ‘mystery box’ of donations! I love the idea of Ample Harvest; my garden is small (a 4 x 4 raised bed, lemon tree, grapevine, tiered strawberry planter and my first blueberry bush) but I’m expanding every year and trying something new. I am familiar with a community garden in the area, so I will pass the info about this organization on to them and maybe some folks there will have extra produce to donate. I just wanted to encourage you to keep doing what you’re doing!