According to the USDA, food waste is estimated at between 30-40% of the food supply, which equates to approximately 133 BILLION pounds of food each year. Compare these shocking numbers to the fact that 35 MILLION people in the US experience hunger, and we have ourselves a serious epidemic.
While these numbers are certainly unsettling and problematic, we certainly don’t have to sit back and watch them grow. In fact, in 2015, the USDA joined forces with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and set a goal to reduce our nation’s food waste by 50% by the year 2030. But what can WE do to help reach that goal a little faster?
Buying “ugly produce” may just be one of the easiest ways for US households to do their part and make an impact. I recently started using Hungry Harvest and can’t wait to share my review with you.
Not only does Hungry Harvest help reduce food waste, but it’s also helping me to live a vegan lifestyle on a budget. So basically, it’s a win-win for me, and I know it can be a game-changer for so many other individuals and families. Let’s jump into my Hungry Harvest review and help you decide if trying ugly produce to reduce environmental waste is a worthwhile option for you.
What is Hungry Harvest?
Hungry Harvest is an ugly produce, or rescued produce, a delivery company that’s working to fight food waste and hunger while saving you time and money. Ugly or imperfect produce is any food grown that has been deemed unfit for retail sale due to it being deformed, misshapen, or otherwise blemished.
Traditionally, ugly produce has been weeded out, disposed of, and left to rot in landfills, even though there’s nothing wrong with consuming them. Meanwhile, millions of Americans go hungry every day and are without access to fresh produce. This is the exact thing that fueled Evan Lutz, CEO & Co-Founder of Hungry Harvest, to work tirelessly to end such waste.
With humble beginnings that began in a college dorm basement, Hungry Harvest, thanks in part to their appearance on Shark Tank, has now proudly reduced over 27 million pounds of food from going to the landfill. And they have no plans of stopping anytime soon.
Hungry Harvest rescues produce at three different points in the supply chain: the farm, the packing house, and the wholesaler. Whether the produce is too big or too small, too ugly, or grown in a surplus, Hungry Harvest swoops in and saves them, helping to eliminate food waste and save you money. It’s a win-win!
What’s Inside a Harvest?
Hungry Harvest refers to its boxes as Harvests, and each one is carefully curated to fit your needs. With customizable boxes that come in a variety of sizes, you can find the right Harvest that fits your needs.
Each Harvest will have a certain amount of greens, veggies, and fruits, depending on the size of the box you choose. You also have the option to choose an organic Harvest if that’s right for you!
Harvest Box Options to Choose From
| Product | Serves | Greens | Veggies | Fruits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Harvest | 1-2 people | 1 | 3 | 2-3 |
| Full Harvest | 2-3 people | 1 | 2-4 | 2-4 |
| Super Harvest | 4-7 people | 1-2 | 4-7 | 2-5 |
In addition to your Harvest selection, you can also choose to get weekly add-ons like more veggies or other grocery staples so you can make fewer trips to the grocery store!
Where Does Hungry Harvest Deliver?
Hungry Harvest currently delivers their Harvests throughout the following areas:
- Maryland
- Washington, DC
- Richmond & Northern Virginia
- Greater Philadelphia
- Southern New Jersey
- Northern Delaware
- South Florida
- Triangle Area
- Charlotte, NC
- Detroit Metro
If you don’t see your area listed, don’t fret, the brand is ever-expanding and has plans to service the entire US soon!
How Much Does Hungry Harvest Cost?
Hungry Harvest boxes start at just $15 per box but can go all the way to $42 per box, depending on the size and the number of people in your household. When compared to the price of purchasing produce in the grocery store, you’re getting a heck of a deal. Plus, you’ll want to factor in the convenience of having it delivered to your doorstep and you have yourself even more value!
Customers can choose between weekly or every other week's delivery and can cancel or change box options at any time.
Is Hungry Harvest Worth It?
If you’re someone who likes to have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand for meals and snacks at home but you hate dealing with the high cost of store-bought produce, then Hungry Harvest is one of the most worthwhile investments you can make.
Additionally, if you’re as repulsed by the numbers when it comes to food waste and hunger in this country as we are, then you’ll feel amazing about doing your part to make a difference.
Lastly, if you’d like to save time at the grocery store each week and don’t mind some wonky-looking (but still delicious!) food, Hungry Harvest will align well with your needs.
Advantages & Disadvantages
As with any brand, produce, or service, there will always be some pros and cons. Let’s get to the core (get it?) and peel back the layers (couldn’t help myself), and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of Hungry Harvest.
Advantages of Hungry Harvest
- You’re helping to eliminate waste and solve the hunger problem here in the US
- It’s affordable
- Customizable options, including the option to choose organic produce
- Most fruits and vegetables are sourced from local farms
- Weekly delivery right to your doorstep means fewer trips to the supermarket
- You get a great variety of produce, some of which you may not think to try yourself
- The opportunity to create delicious, creative meals with your fresh produce is endless
- You’ll be living a healthier lifestyle
Disadvantages of Hungry Harvest
- Some of your produce may be pretty ugly (but still tasty and fresh!)
Who Should Try Hungry Harvest?
Ugly produce boxes aren’t for everyone, but here’s who they are for:
| Try Hungry Harvest if… |
|---|
| You’re repulsed by the data showing much food is wasted every year due to abnormalities in shape and overgrowth. |
| You want fresh produce (organic, even) delivered to your door each week on auto-pilot. |
| Like to experiment with lots of different fruits and vegetables and love a good variety. |
| Would like to save some money at the grocery store and take fewer trips per week. |
Parting Thoughts: Wrapping up my Hungry Harvest Review
Hungry Harvest is doing some important work around the country, and although they aren’t available nationwide yet, it’s only a matter of time before they will be. As a vegan and activist for the preservation of mother earth, Hungry Harvest’s mission is one that I proudly stand behind.
The way I see it is this, if I am already spending plenty of dough at the store each week on produce, why not save a little money and time by having it delivered? Do I care that my carrots are wonky-looking? Heck no! They taste the same and are full of the same goodness.
So here’s my challenge for you; try Hungry Harvest just once, if you’re anything less than satisfied, don’t order again. But I have a feeling you’re going to love the way it feels to know that you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself. If you’ve been looking for a way to make a difference, Hungry Harvest is offering you an easy opportunity to do so.
