Take a Peko

Ethical eating begins with embracing a mindful approach to our food, enabling us to find ways to positively impact sustainability, the ethical treatment of animals and support for local communities.

Peko Produce

Did you know that $3.1 billion worth of food is rejected annually for cosmetic reasons in Canada alone? Founded by then-UBC students Sang Le and Arielle Lok in 2021, Peko has since diverted more than 200,000 kg of “peculiar” food from the landfill by putting together mystery bags and boxes of imperfect produce and other food for delivery in Western Canada. In 2023, the team joined Calgary-based Fresh Prep to grow its distribution network and take advantage of Fresh Prep’s experience in the provision of sustainable, prepped food. You save an average of about 40 per cent off grocery-store prices and one dollar from every sale goes to the Leftovers Foundation. We love a win-win-win! Peko boxes and bags are delivered in Calgary every Wednesday.

Peko Mystery Box | $32.99 | pekoproduce.com/shop

About the Author: Wanda Baker

Wanda Baker is the author of a food and lifestyle blog bakersbeans.ca. She’s been involved in starting and organizing events in Calgary including YYC Pizza Week and The Culinary Race, is a freelance digital content manager and local community advocate. She’s been featured on The Weather Network, Global News Radio 770, Global Calgary and Shaw TV. Her recipes have been featured on Food Network Canada, she’s been published in Western Canadian Magazines and upon the insistence of local culinary friends may one day write her own cookbook. In 2018, Meals on Wheels created The Baker Award in Wanda’s name to recognize the restaurant demonstrating the most community spirit annually during YYC Pizza Week. Twitter @wandabaker_ Instagram @wandabaker_