Across the country, hundreds of people are salvaging food from the garbage. Often called garbage pickers, gleaners or foragers, many call themselves "freegans" – a play
on “free” and “vegan.”

Freegans gather food, clothing and even bicycles from the trash. They
do it, they say, to resist capitalism and minimize waste.  They do it by choice, not necessity.

But grocery store managers say
food from a store is a better choice. Regulations are in place to keep people safe, they say, and besides, they are catering to customer preference.  As one manager said, “nobody wants a gray banana.”

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