VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Food destined for the trash is bad for the environment and could be helping out those in need. That's why the
Quest Food Exchange program has opened a new location in the
Union Gospel Mission on the Downtown Eastside.
The food usually comes from wholesalers or restaurants, says Peter Brasso with the exchange program. "Food that has been mislabeled, it's overstocked, it's been slightly damaged in transit or it might be too close to its best before date."
But he explains it's very different from a food bank. "With us, our clients are by referral only, and they shop for their food; they select their own food in a grocery market setting... and they actually pay for their food. The price of the food is about 30 per cent of retail."
He says it is a step for people who don't quite have the funds to shop retail.