New Haven may have no full-service grocery stores, but that is not stopping some dumpster-diving Yalies from dining in style, according to an article written by Chloe Rossetti ’11 for The Atlantic.

Rossetti and her housemates bring home donated leftovers from local cafes and coffee shops, use the produce of the Yale Farm and drive to the dumpsters of large grocery stores to acquire the goods for meals that often draw several guests, she wrote:

Humble scavengers, we thank the Food Deities as we bring home a bounty of still-edible Ezekiel bread, broccoli, strawberries, cheese, oranges, bean dip, tortilla chips, whoopie pies, cookies, and chocolate cake.

Rossetti added that police officers often approach them while they are scavenging, and one time an officer made them return all of their groceries to the dumpster.

While such scavenging can be a resourceful way to gather food, managing the waste and discarded items from these endeavors can become a challenge.

For those needing a more organized approach to dealing with unwanted items, junk removal services provide a practical solution. These services efficiently handle the disposal of everything from large, bulky items to smaller bits of refuse, ensuring that spaces remain clutter-free and sanitary.

By utilizing these professional services, you can clear out the remnants of your own scavenging adventures or simply declutter your space with ease and efficiency, leaving you with more time to enjoy the finds and less stress over managing the waste.

She wrote that she and her friends have gotten creative in preparing dishes.

“Some of our more food-inclined housemates have been known to treat our fridge as a battleground, and emerge triumphant with pilaf, homemade gnocchi, or pierogies,” she explained.

Rossetti acknowledged that the absence of Shaw’s dumpster has had little effect on them. It was locked and surrounded by barbed wire.

[via Time]