Since we recently received a grant from Kroger’s Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation to expand our reduced cost box program, we wanted to take some time to explain just how important this program has become to us as a company. Imperfect was founded to do one thing: make a better food system for everyone. So while saving good food from going to waste is central to that mission, so is making healthy food more accessible to the people who need it most.
Since day one, one of our guiding principles has been to increase food accessibility. Yet we knew from the start that not everyone could afford an Imperfect box. We also knew that we could do something about it.
At Imperfect, we’re proud to support initiatives that increase access to healthy food by donating thousands of pounds of produce every week to our food bank partners. We’re also proud to offer a reduced-cost box program to SNAP recipients. This is an initiative we started after learning that online food retailers like us aren’t able to accept SNAP/EBT benefits because of antiquated USDA regulations.
Our reduced-cost box program lets folks get produce for an additional 33% less than our regular boxes and is around 50% less than the grocery store. And while we take a financial loss on these boxes, we do this because it’s the right thing to do. We believe that it’s important to make good food more accessible to all of our neighbors, regardless of income.
To date, we have delivered over 284,000 reduced cost boxes to low income families and are excited to deliver even more. We will be using the money from the Zero Hunger Zero Waste foundation to grow our reduced cost box program in Chicago even further so that we can work to help eliminate food deserts on the South side of the city. It’s because of our customers’ commitment to fighting food waste and building a better food system that we can support efforts like this. So thank you for believing that a single small act, like subscribing to a weekly box of produce, can make a difference. Every week, you’re helping us make the world a little bit better.
Here’s what these special boxes mean to our reduced-cost box recipients, in their words:
“The reduced-cost produce box from Imperfect has really changed my life and allowed me to focus on my work and my home, without worrying about where our next healthy meal is going to come from.” – Taylor
“I love my Imperfect produce box as I use it to make homemade baby food for my daughter. It’s what’s healthy for my little girl and I know what is going into it as the produce quality is amazing, just in different shapes.” -Marianne
“After my youngest son was born I was forced to quit my job because childcare for two infants was too costly and ended up being a wash pay wise. This program is helping to keep fresh produce a daily part of my family’s life.”- Patricia
Want to sign up for a reduced-cost box? Anyone who qualifies for SNAP is eligible for a reduced-cost box. Click here to learn more about the program and apply!
Your support makes these reduced-cost boxes possible. Thank you!
