This Danish Supermarket Only Sells Expired Foods and Everyone Loves It

February 29, 2016

First World countries are striving to end world hunger, yet they are guilty of wasting a ridiculous amount of food themselves.

Now one country is launching an initiative to change that irony by opening its first food waste supermarket. Denmark has opened its first-ever charity market, which sells surplus produce that are past their fresh date or damaged in such a way that they wouldn’t be sold on the shelves of a typical grocery store.

The store called WeFood in Denmark’s capital city of Copenhagen sells their produce for 30 to 50% of their value at normal markets. The store is designed for the environmentally conscious and budget-limited consumers who are looking to save money and the planet. Per Bjerre from the Danish NGO behind the initiative, Folkekirkens Nødhjælp, explained to the Independent:

“WeFood is the first supermarket of its kind in Denmark and perhaps the world as it is not just aimed at low-income shoppers, but anyone who is concerned about the amount of food waste produced in this country. Many people see this as a positive and politically correct way to approach the issue.”

According to statistics, 700,000 metric tons of food are thrown away in Denmark annually. That is the figure after the country reduced its food waste by 25% over five years. Worldwide, 1.3 billion metric tons of food is wasted each year. The number is “ridiculous,” Danish Food and Agriculture Minister Eva Kjer Hansen remarked.

WeFood is collaborating with other supermarkets, chains and importers to provide the products. Volunteers pick up the supplies to help stock WeFood’s shelves. France has taken a similar course of action by banning food waste and requiring supermarkets to donate unwanted food to food banks and charities.

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