Raley’s to sell discounted, “aesthetically challenged” produce

West Sacramento-based Raley’s said Thursday that it is launching a program to sell “scarred, aesthetically challenged” produce for a lower cost than unblemished products, with a goal of reducing food waste.

Raley’s said its “Real Good” program will make it the first major grocery chain in the United States to sell produce that might otherwise be headed for landfills.

The grocer said program-qualifying produce is uniquely shaped, sized or colored, but otherwise the same in flavor and quality as standard produce offerings. The company said summer produce such as “Real Good” plums, peppers and pears will be offered at prices 25 percent to 30 percent lower than flawlessly shaped, uniformly colored produce.

Raley’s said the program will not only reduce food waste but help growers of various crops.

The grocer said it is partnering with Emeryville-based Imperfect, which advocates numerous methods to reduce food waste nationwide.

The program will be rolled out Saturday at 10 Raley’s-operated stores, including the Raley’s Supermarkets at 8391 Folsom Blvd., and 3518 Marconi Ave. in Sacramento; 10430 Twin Cities Road in Galt; 700 W. Onstott Frontage Road in Yuba City; 7847 Lichen Drive in Citrus Heights; and 13384 Lincoln Way in Auburn. The Bel Air Markets at 6231 Fruitridge Road in Sacramento and 2222 Grass Valley Highway in Auburn also will participate, as will Raley’s Supermarkets in Stockton and Oakley.

This story was originally published July 9, 2015 at 10:28 AM with the headline "Raley’s to sell discounted, “aesthetically challenged” produce."