Dartmouth-based Outcast Foods is working with Sobeys to minimize food waste in its Debert, Nova Scotia distribution center and various Nova Scotia stores.

Outcast Foods uses a process that dries unsellable fruits and vegetables, preserving nutrients and extending shelf life to three years.  Surplus fruits and vegetables are turned into Plant Strong Protein products, which are sold in Sobeys’ stores. 

“The days of sending edible food to the landfill are coming to an end thanks to our upcycling process that uses multiple innovations from machine learning to a novel high-efficiency drying invention,” Outcast Foods CEO Darren Burke said in a statement.

The company works with farms, food brokers and grocers to convert misfit produce into natural health products, pet food and cosmetics.

Nova Scotia-headquartered Sobeys has pledged to reduce food waste by 50 percent by 2025. Sobeys, its franchisees and affiliates employ about127,000 people nationally, the statement said. 

“We will learn a lot through this program and our partnership with Outcast," said Vittoria Varalli, Sobey’s Vice-President of Sustainability and Chief of Staff.