How to Fight Food Waste in Canada: Lessons from Ugly Potato Day

Over 490,000 pounds of food were saved from waste this year. See how to turn food waste into hope.
Cloverdale, BC - October 20, 2025 - Food waste is one of the biggest challenges facing Canada today. Every year, millions of pounds of perfectly edible food end up in landfills, often because of strict cosmetic standards or poor storage habits at home. Not only does this waste contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but it also represents lost resources, water, and energy that went into producing the food. The good news? Canadians can take action every day to fight food waste, and large community events like Ugly Potato Day are proving just how much impact we can make together.

Ugly Potato Day: A Model for Change

Held annually in August, Ugly Potato Day is a massive community food giveaway that brings attention to the issue of waste. Organized by Ten Servings Co. in partnership with Odd Bunch, the event rescues "imperfect" or surplus produce from farms, food that would otherwise go uneaten because it doesn't meet grocery store standards. In 2025 alone, over 490,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables were distributed for free to tens of thousands of families at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in British Columbia.

This record-breaking initiative shows that when we embrace imperfect produce, we can reduce waste and fight hunger at the same time. It's not just about saving potatoes, it's about rethinking how we value food.

Simple Ways Canadians Can Fight Food Waste Every Day

Ugly Potato Day is a large-scale example, but the same principles can be applied at home. Here are some practical ways to reduce waste in your own kitchen:

1. Plan your meals. Create a weekly meal plan and build your grocery list around it. By shopping with intention, you avoid impulse buys that may go uneaten.

2. Use your leftovers. Instead of letting cooked food sit in the fridge, repurpose it into new dishes. Last night's roasted veggies can become today's soup or frittata.

3. Store food properly. Organize your fridge so older items are visible and easy to grab. Using airtight containers and following "first in, first out" rules can significantly extend freshness.

4. Buy imperfect produce. Oddly shaped or slightly blemished fruits and vegetables are often just as tasty (and usually more affordable). By choosing them, you're helping reduce farm and retail waste.

5. Compost what you can't eat. Food scraps like peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells can be composted to enrich soil instead of contributing to landfill emissions.

Why This Matters

Fighting food waste in Canada isn't just about saving money; it's about sustainability and community. Every potato, apple, or carrot saved from the landfill is one less item contributing to methane emissions. At the same time, embracing imperfect produce supports farmers, helps food banks, and ensures more families have access to fresh, healthy food.

Ugly Potato Day demonstrates the power of community action, but real change happens when everyday Canadians take small steps in their kitchens. By meal planning, storing food wisely, and celebrating imperfect produce, each of us can help create a more sustainable food system.

This initiative reflects a growing movement to transform food that might have gone to waste into meals for those in need. More details can be found at http://www.tenservings.ca or contacting info@tenservings.ca.

Media Contact
Company Name: Ten Servings
Contact Person: Maria Atuesta
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Website: https://www.tenservings.ca

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