QLD ANGLE: Two Brisbane companies are teaming up to save the planet and our budgets
Known for rescuing cosmetically imperfect fruit and vegetables rejected by supermarkets, Funky Food is now adding artisan sourdoughs, rolls and specialty loaves from the famed Sonoma that may not meet appearance standards, but still deliver exactly the same handcrafted quality and flavour.
The partnership tackles two growing pressures facing Australian families: rising grocery bills and food waste.
Australia throws away around 456 million loaves of bread every year, while food waste costs the economy more than $36 billion annually, despite much of it being perfectly good to eat.
Sonoma General Manager Aine Doran said artisan baking was, by nature, beautifully imperfect.
"Every loaf is handcrafted, and sometimes that means one might not look exactly how we intended. But inside, it's every bit as delicious. So, partnering with Funky Food means those incredible loaves don't go to waste. Instead, they go straight onto family tables where they're appreciated exactly as they should be," she said.
"As artisan bakers, we're passionate about quality and craftsmanship. Now we're equally proud that every loaf we bake has the opportunity to find a home."
Funky Food CEO Noah Pratt said adding bread had always been on the wish list.
"This partnership was a no-brainer. We've rescued millions of kilograms of fruit and vegetables over the past few years, and adding artisan bread means we're saving even more incredible food from unnecessary waste."
"The best part is Sonoma shares our values, and even our street!"
"Families are feeling the pinch right now. If we can help people save money, support Australian producers and stop great food ending up in landfill, that's a pretty good day's work."
Since launching, Funky Food has delivered 657,366 boxes, rescued 7,888,392 kilograms of produce, and helped shoppers save up to 30 per cent compared with major supermarkets.
Customers can create their own orders or choose ready-made boxes, choosing rescued produce, meat, pantry staples, and now artisan bread, while helping support Australian farmers and reduce food waste.
Funky Food - Rescue Food From Waste
THE FACTS: Food Waste in Australia
End Food Waste Australia is leading the way in improving the sustainability of the Australian food system through research and evidence-based solutions:
- In Australia, around 7.7 million meals are discarded daily, with households contributing 32% of that waste, costing the economy an estimated $36.6 billion annually.
- The average household wastes 4kg of food each week, amounting to roughly $3,000 per year.
- "Reducing food waste isn't just an environmental or economic issue — it's a social imperative. If Australia successfully halves food waste by 2030 — an ambitious goal — FIAL estimates this could unlock $54 billion in benefits, significantly reduce emissions, and ensure more food reaches those who need it most."
Australian National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study by Food Innovation Australia (FIAL):
- Australia wastes 7.6 million tonnes of food annually; that's enough to fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground 10 times over.
- 70% of this waste could have been avoided, representing billions of lost meals and an economic impact of $36.6 billion.
- Household waste alone costs Australians $19.3 billion per year.
- Shoppers reported saving around $63 on a produce haul, by ordering a box of "misshapen" produce.
