Denmark has recently opened a supermarket that is the first of its kind, and people are lining up outside its doors. WeFood recently opened in Copenhagen and it is selling food normally destined to go to trash.
The foods that WeFood have for sale are those that would have otherwise been thrown out either due to the food being past the expiry date or because of packaging damage. According to The Local Denmark, WeFood offers for sale a variety of foods such as bread, fruit and vegetables, dairy, meats, frozen goods, and dry foods. Prices are 30 to 50% cheaper than normal supermarket prices.
The market was the charity project of NGO Folkekirkens Nødhjælp (DanChurch Aid). Per Bjerre from DanChurch Aid said at the opening of the market "WeFood is the first supermarket of its kind in Denmark and perhaps the world as it is not just aimed at low-income shopper but anyone who is concerned about the amount of food waste produced in this country." He adds further "Many people see this as a positive and politically correct way to approach the issue."
The store is being run by volunteers. NPR reports that the proceeds of the market are being used to support anti-poverty initiatives in other parts of the world.
The former Danish food minister Eva Kjer Hansen, has showed support to endeavor before she stepped down from her position. She said "It is ridiculous that food is just thrown out or goes to waste. It is bad for the environment and it is money spent on absolutely nothing. A supermarket like WeFood makes so much more sense and is an important step in the battle to combat food waste."
Food wastage is such a big problem across the world. In America alone, an estimated 20 pounds of food per person goes to waste every month. That's 40% of the total food produced in the country that doesn't get eaten.
