After ended its last incarnation back in 2003, Supermarket Sweep has sprung back to stunning life on ABC, with Saturday Night Live alum Leslie Jones as host and executive producer. Fans seem to be more than excited to have the beloved game show back on the air, especially since the show seems to be staying true to the format of its predecessor. Of course, some viewers may still have questions about one aspect of the fan-favorite show.
Given the heavy use of food on Supermarket Sweep, some may have wondered whether or not the featured food that sits on the shelves and goes into people’s carts is real. Well, according to Good Housekeeping, the ABC reboot does indeed use real food. The site also confirms that at least some of the meat used is real. But still begs the question of what happens to the food after it’s on the show.
Well, Good Housekeeping learned that a majority of the show’s meats are actually donated to the Rancho Wildlife Foundation and other local wildlife organizations. According to the site, “95 pallets of perishable and non-perishable foods were donated to local charities, of which included the L.A. Food Bank, FoodCycle L.A., L.A. Mission, and Downtown Women's Center.” Not only that but a large portion of the leftover pet food and supplies was given to pet welfare organization The Rescue Train.
This is a practice that’s also been adopted by the recently revived U.K. version of the show. When speaking about it to This Morning, host Ryan Clark-Neal discussed the production’s intention not to let food go to waste if it can be avoided:
All the food is real, we replenish it every three or four days and all of the products that are obviously perishable, but still best before, [so] they don’t go to waste.
Supermarket Sweep’s efforts are definitely commendable and is another great way to make good use of the food on the show. It’s also well needed, especially since many are experiencing tough times due to COVID-19. Likewise, many celebrities have been finding different ways to lend a helping hand over the past year.
Earlier this year, famous frenemies Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds extended their “feud.” Only this time, the two used it as a means to help older adults and lower income families that have been affected by COVID-19. Some of the cast of NCIS also helped out this past summer by reuniting to raise money for the Project Angel Food Lead with Love Telethon.
It’s been comforting to see positivity like this during these times. Supermarket Sweep, in particular, is already bringing so much joy to viewers watching at home, and it’s even better know that it’s serving as a big help when the cameras aren’t rolling as well.
