It’s a paradox of modern society: in a world grappling with food insecurity, mountains of perfectly good food end up in landfills. This isn’t just a local issue; it’s a global problem. In the United States alone, food waste accounts for nearly a quarter of all landfill content. Experts refer to this discarded food as “surplus,” a term that highlights the potential – if it’s surplus, it could be redirected to those in need through food banks and other organizations.
While initiatives like Fort Worth’s Residential Food Waste Composting program are steps in the right direction, the reality is that restaurants, grocery stores, and large food distributors are the biggest contributors to this surplus. A significant portion of this waste, around 20%, is prepared food – think unsold donuts, burgers, and fried chicken. These items are particularly challenging to repurpose. Staples like milk and eggs also make up a considerable 15% of food waste, a particularly painful statistic given rising food costs. Alarmingly, over a third of landfill-bound surplus is fresh produce.
This is where Town Talk Foods steps in as a vital part of the solution.
For over 70 years, Town Talk Foods has been quietly operating in Tarrant County, Texas, with locations in Fort Worth, Weatherford, and now Arlington. Their business model is ingenious and beneficial: they leverage bulk purchasing and repackaging to offer substantial savings to consumers while simultaneously diverting perfectly good food from landfills. It’s a win-win situation for your wallet and the environment.
Town Talk Foods specializes in acquiring items nearing their “sell-by” dates or overstock from major manufacturers and distributors. These products, often perfectly fine in terms of quality and safety, are then sold at deeply discounted prices. You might find your favorite brands of dried beans, spices, and other pantry staples in simple plastic or paper bags without fancy labels, but the savings are significant, and you’re contributing to reducing food waste.
Many rely on stores like Town Talk Foods to make ends meet as food prices continue to climb. Even with food inflation slowing down from its peak, the cost of groceries remains a concern for many households. However, Town Talk Foods isn’t just for those on a tight budget. It’s a treasure trove for savvy shoppers, brand-name enthusiasts, and individuals with specific dietary needs. Gluten-free and vegan products, often expensive at regular grocery stores, are surprisingly affordable here. Their weekly produce deals, arriving fresh every Saturday morning, are another major draw, offering abundant quantities at bargain prices – if you’re happy to browse through boxes and shopping carts rather than pristine displays.
Jennifer Bovee, a staff member and dedicated Town Talk Foods shopper, recently showcased the Arlington location, revealing some of the incredible deals available.
Here are just a few examples of the savings you can find at Town Talk Foods:
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For Brand Name Lovers: Pacific Foods Free Range Chicken Broth, a kitchen essential for many, was priced at just 99 cents for a 32-oz container. This same item typically retails for over $4 at stores like Sprouts or Whole Foods. Bonne Maman fruit preserves, known for their quality, were available for $1.99 per 13-oz jar, while the plum flavor can cost upwards of $5 at most retailers. Justin’s Almond Butter, another premium brand, was priced at $3.99, compared to over $7 at Target in Mansfield.
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Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Quorn Meatless Chipotle Cutlets were a steal at $2.99, significantly less than the $4+ price tag at Sprouts or Whole Foods. Green Giant Dino Veggie Tots, a kid-friendly favorite, were just $1.99, while they usually cost around $3.97 in a local Walmart freezer. Daiya dairy-free Mac & Cheeze was another vegan bargain at $1.99, compared to an average of $4+ at other grocery stores.
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Fresh Produce Deals: Driscoll’s Rainbow Pack, featuring fresh blueberries and raspberries, was priced at $2.50, a fraction of the $5+ price for a single pack at Sprouts.
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Unexpected Finds: Even celebrity-endorsed products like Cowboy Troy Aikman’s Eight Light Lager were available for just $5.99 for a 12-pack, a significant discount compared to the $12-$16 price at major retailers like Tom Thumb, Albertsons, and Walmart.
It’s worth noting that some items, like the chicken broth and almond butter mentioned, may be past their “Best if Used By” dates. However, the FDA clarifies that this date primarily indicates peak quality, not safety. Unless there are visible signs of spoilage like discoloration or off-odors, these products are generally safe to consume after this date.
Whether you’re driven by the desire to save money on groceries, stick to a strict budget, actively combat food waste, or simply support a local regional grocer, Town Talk Foods emerges as a top choice. It’s more than just a discount grocery store; it’s a smart way to shop.
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