Opinion: Why waste food just because it looks odd?

Why waste perfectly good fruit or vegetables just because they look odd? Photo/Getty

They say you eat with your eyes.

I'm sure it's largely for that reason the fruit and veges in supermarkets are always perfectly formed - you're more likely to buy it if the produce looks appealing.

But, while fruit and veges grown in your own backyard never look as good as the produce in supermarkets, they taste just as good - if not better.

It goes without saying that not every kiwifruit or avocado grown by commercial growers looks perfect but we shouldn't be wasting perfectly good food just because it looks strange.

That's what Countdown have decided too.

This week they launched their new initiative, The Odd Bunch. Stores will sell "ugly" produce at a reduced price.

To me, that seems like the obvious thing to do. I'm surprised it hasn't been done earlier.

There are so many benefits.

I hate waste. I'll eat left-overs for days just to make sure nothing gets thrown out.

This is no different. Why throw out or feed animals perfectly good food just because it looks a little odd?

The initiative helps out growers by providing them with a bit of extra income for produce they previously would not have been able to sell.

On top of that, it will help ensure Kiwis can get their five-plus a day.

Fruit and veges are an essential part of a healthy diet but they don't come cheap. Fruit and veges should be readily available and affordable to all.

If we want to combat the obesity epidemic plaguing our kids, we need to make sure families can eat healthy for the same price they can buy processed food for.

The reduced price will help those who otherwise struggle to afford fresh produce and allow them to make sure their family are eating good, healthy food.

I'd like to think other supermarkets will get on board too.