Pizza Parlor Owner Found Homeless People 'Eating Out' Of His Garbage So He Wrote A Strong Message For Them

Sep 27, 2023 by apost team

Kindness is like a rare jewel in today's divisive social climate. But there's still hope rising from the chaos, and it can come from unexpected places. 

In 2021, a photo posted on Reddit's Made Me Smile forum melted hearts worldwide. Uploaded by u/colorfulsoul_, the image was of a handwritten message taped on the restaurant's glass door. It was from the owner of the pizza shop, who was addressing the homeless people who were eating the leftovers from the store's garbage bins. 

Evidently, approximately 85% of leftover food from restaurants ends up being discarded. Whether it's leftovers left on diners' plates or unused ingredients in the kitchen, the act of disposing of such food has become the norm. 

One significant factor is food safety and health regulations. To ensure the safety of their customers, restaurants have to adhere to strict guidelines regarding food storage and expiration dates. This can result in food being thrown away if it's past its safe consumption date. 

Additionally, some restaurants have a surplus of food at the end of the day due to fluctuations in customer demand or menu changes. This surplus food may not always be suitable for donation due to quality or logistical constraints. This means that restaurant managers can only redirect a small fraction of these uneaten portions towards donation, composting, or recycling initiatives.

However, this pizza shop owner went over and beyond helping the homeless. In a world that often feels cold and indifferent, this small act of kindness reminds us that we can make a difference in someone's life.

The pizza shop owner's handwritten message was a commitment to helping out the homeless searching in the garbage bins.

"To the people eating out of my garbage, I have more love for you then (sic) you think," the owner wrote. "Pls just come in and tell me your (sic) hungry. I'll always give you fresh pizza and water. Bless you."

The post on Reddit received over 6,000 likes and a hundred comments. The online community expressed their appreciation for the shop owner's kindness but also discussed the problem of food waste and homelessness.

"Small acts of kindness like this keep me clinging on to my hope for humanity. There truly are beautiful souls among us," Redditor kellen_cc said in the comments. 

"Small things like this are priceless to those who are without!" said Old_Hippie_69.

Redditor definitelynotned, who worked as a busser, food runner and server at a restaurant, wrote that it "kills" him to see the amount of food wasted at restaurants when "EVERY restaurant has extra food at the end of the night." On the other hand, user Mrdotemu, from a pizza shop, said that their restaurant saves the extra food and donates it to a program for homeless people. 

Former pizza store owner, ExMachina70, however, detailed a different experience. 

"I get mixed feelings about the homeless after owning a Pizza business for 4 years," he stated. "I've handed out free pizza to homeless people only to find they've left all their garbage on the ground in front of my business. Try imagining how this would feel if it were you. It really sucks." 

Grandpas_Plump_Chode replied to his comment, stating that he understood where the pizza store owner was coming from. 

"It can be tough to reconcile that ‘bigger picture’ perspective with the ugly reality that there are many homeless folks out there who are crooked as hell."

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What do you think of this initiative? Were you inspired by the restaurant owner's kindness? The broader issue of food waste is a reminder that each of us can make a difference. Spread the word about this story of compassion and awareness by sharing it with your friends and family!