Bicycle Network has partnered with Farmers Pick to support their efforts against food waste during United Energy Around the Bay on Sunday 8 October.
Farmers Pick will supply 8000 bananas to the thousands of riders participating in all distances on the iconic event.
The food sustainability organisation says single bananas are being rejected by supermarkets when they are not attached to a bunch, creating waste on farms and costing consumers.
Farmers Pick co-founder Josh Brooks-Duncan says Australian bananas were the most expensive in the world at $4.50 a kilogram last month.
“Major supermarkets, Woolworths and Coles only purchase 70 per cent of Australian bananas and the remaining 30% are rejected because they are considered the wrong size, an imperfect shape, not the right shade of yellow, or simply because they are a single banana that’s come loose from the bunch,” Brooks-Duncan says.
Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack says riders will use the Farmers Pick bananas to fuel themselves during the event.
“We have been running this event for more than 30 years and we absolutely love working with Farmers Pick,” says Ms McCormack.
“Their passion for sustainability and promoting healthy eating really aligns with our bike members so it was a no-brainer to support their banana farmers during their time of need.
“We are sure the kids and families on our rides around Albert Park Lake will demolish their share of bananas and riders on the 100km, 135km, Classic and 300km distances will need a bit of extra sustenance too. It’s an absolute win-win.”
Farmers Pick has worked with local farmers since 2020. It aims to reduce waste by rescuing “imperfect” fruit and vegetables, offering Australians cheaper access to fresh produce and changing the decision-making process of corporate supermarkets.
Entries are still open for all distances on United Energy Around the Bay. Sign up now.