I have found that getting a box from my local food rescue group to be a game changer for our family’s food budget. It allows us to drastically reduce our spending, while also sharing with families in need. And, we keep food out of the landfill. It’s a win-win.
I’ve done some research and have compiled information on organizations doing work in this space. I tried to find places across the entire country. I also did some research and found resources for salvage and discount grocery stores, food co-ops, and other places to find discounted food. I hope this is helpful for you.
More Than Apples (Southern California)
The organization I get everything from is called More Than Apples and it is located in Southern California. One box is $55 and it must be picked up in Escondido at the main site, or other pick up locations (there are a handful of other locations that are relatively close by).
In order to sign up to purchase a box, you have to join their Facebook group and follow the instructions posted in the group. Orders are placed on Saturday morning and shares are picked up on Thursdays.
Since I’m located a good distance from the nearest pick up location, I have joined up with 2 other women close to me and we trade off making the drive. We typically go every other week, which means we each drive once every 6 weeks.
Ruby’s Pantry (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Fargo, ND and Mason City, IA)
Ruby’s Pantry rescues food that would otherwise go to the landfill. You can purchase a share for $25. They have pick up locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, or in Fargo, North Dakota or Mason City, Iowa, a list of which can be found here.
Here’s someone in Minnesota doing a haul of items she got from Ruby’s Pantry:
Borderlands Produce Rescue (Arizona)
Borderlands Produce Rescue distributes rescued produce for a $25 donation. Their locations are located in Arizona. They also have a program that allows you to volunteer for 3 hours and receive a complimentary box in exchange.
SHARE Food Network (Washington, D.C./Baltimore, Maryland)
Sponsored by the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. the SHARE Food Network program offers $30 packages that include up to $50 worth of groceries. Each package contains four to six pounds of frozen protein items and eight to 12 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Imperfect Foods (Nationwide, Shipped to Your Door)
Imperfect Foods (affiliate link: you get $20 off your first order, I get $15 credit) is a company that started out as “Imperfect Produce” and has over time morphed into more than just a produce rescue. According to their FAQ:
What makes some of the food imperfect?
Some of our groceries have cosmetic quirks, irregular sizes, or are just surplus, which means they used to go to waste or get undervalued. While they may look different than what you’d find in a store, they’re sustainable, delicious, and high-quality! We also source a wide range of sustainable, affordable groceries (with no imperfections) to satisfy all your shopping needs.
When I lived in Texas, I ordered from them regularly. I enjoyed the quality of their products. Especially if you don’t live near an organization like More Than Apples or Ruby’s Pantry, this is a great option.
Too Good To Go (Global)
Too Good To Go (affiliate link) is an app that allows you to purchase goods from restaurants and grocery stores at a deep discount instead of them throwing those items away. This is also a great way to make your grocery dollars stretch farther. The only drawback is that you don’t get to choose what you get, which can be a gamble if you have a food allergy.
However, if you’re flexible and willing to risk it, it can be a great resource. Whole Foods has recently rolled out more items – they used to consistently have only bakery bags ($6.99) and prepared foods bags ($9.99). (The value is guaranteed to bee 3 times what you paid.) They have now rolled out produce, seafood, meat, dry goods, refrigerated goods, and frozen goods bags.
If you follow the #toogoodtogo hashtag on social media, you can see a bunch of unboxings. I have now tried unsuccessfully 3 times to get the new Whole Foods bags. They go fast and even if you order, sometimes if the store doesn’t have stock so your order will be cancelled and refunded. This is annoying, yes, but the 3 times I’ve gotten Too Good To Go orders, I’ve been very happy twice and just meh once.
Restaurants also participate. I’ve seen some other creators on TikTok show what they get and some of them are insane amounts of food.
Salvage and Discount Grocery Stores
Another option is to look for salvage grocery stores in your area. Simply google “salvage grocery store near me.” These stores purchase groceries that would otherwise head to the landfill, either because they are seasonal and are being pulled from shelves, or they have imperfections or misprints. They are often purchased for pennies on the dollar.
The Grocery Clearance Center in Dallas is phenomenal. I’ve been there and it is huge. They have an incredible selection of gluten free and organic products.
Sharp Shopper is a chain of discount grocery stores in Virginia and Pennsylvania. I have never been, but I’ve heard great things about it online.
Grocery Outlet has 490 stores across California, Delaware, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland.
Facebook Groups (Nationwide)
Don’t forget about Facebook Groups! Definitely search out your local Buy Nothing group. These are organized by neighborhood. Some groups are more active than others, but it’s a great resource not just for food, but for other household items and clothing. My group is very active and people are always posting items to give away and requests for items they are looking for. It’s like its own mini circular economy. No money is exchanged, just good will and good vibes. It keeps things out of the landfill, reduces the need to buy more stuff, and creates a supportive community. All good things!
In addition to your local Buy Nothing group, I encourage you to search for groups in your area. In mine there’s a group called [Location Name] Support Pantry. Lots of people, right now especially, are posting food for pickup. People are preparing meals and offering to make extras to give away. Groceries are posted on there. Along with other non-food items.
You can also check to see if you have an active Freecycle group in your area. It works like the Buy Nothing groups.
Food Co-Ops, CSAs, and Local Farmers (Nationwide)
I’ve never participated in a food co-op, but this might be a good option to explore. In this article on LocalLine.co, they describe a food co-op as “grocery stores that are consumer-owned. They give access to locally sourced, ethically produced goods while promoting community involvement.”
Many years ago I read a blog, which I can no longer find, that documented feeding two people for 30 dollars a week, if I remember correctly. They relied heavily on a food co-op. If you want to find a food co-op near you, you can search here.
You can also try going to farmers markets or to farmers directly. They usually will sell seconds (ugly produce not “fit” to sell) for a reduced price. At farmers markets, prices are sometimes reduced near closing time as they try to unload as much as possible. To find a farmers market or local farm near you, check out Local Harvest. You can also search for CSAs (community supported agriculture) shares, farmers markets, co-ops, and delivery services from local farms.
If you want to support Black farmers, check out the Black Farmers Index.
Do You Know of Other Resources?
Are you aware of other places that would fall under one of these categories? Are there other sources I didn’t mention? Please comment and let everyone know! I’d love for this to be a resource for everyone.
Frugal Forward 
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