business
Summer’s imperfect produce is too good to waste
By Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· June 19, 2026
· 5 min read
By Sarah Pilley
Vegetable prices in April were up 3.1%, more than what shoppers spent in March 2026, and fruit prices by 1.2%. Grocery costs continue to climb, and fresh produce is no exception. Using imperfect summer produce in your meals is a great way to stretch your grocery budget and reduce ...
Key takeaway 1%, more than what shoppers spent in March 2026, and fruit prices by 1.
Why this matters in The Odessa
In the Permian Basin area, where Odessa residents are accustomed to living with the realities of agricultural production, the trend towards embracing imperfect produce resonates deeply. As grocery costs continue to climb, with vegetable prices predicted to increase by 7.8% in 2026, locals are likely to welcome the opportunity to stretch their budgets by opting for misshapen or bruised fruits and vegetables. The fact that these imperfections do not impact taste or nutrition makes them an attractive alternative, especially for families and individuals looking to make the most of their grocery dollars. With the USDA's food price predictions and federal efforts to reduce food waste, it will be interesting to see how local grocery stores and farmers' markets in Odessa respond to the growing interest in imperfect produce, and whether they will begin to feature these items more prominently in their offerings.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Sarah Pilley
Vegetable prices in April were up 3.1%, more than what shoppers spent in March 2026, and fruit prices by 1.2%. Grocery costs continue to climb, and fresh produce is no exception. Using imperfect summer produce in your meals is a great way to stretch your grocery budget and reduce ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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