While every news channel reminds us daily that the government is wasting taxpayer money, I recently stumbled upon an example that takes things to a whole new level.
Last weekend, I was at the Los Encinos Kennel Club show in Ventura, California, where my incredible Labrador Retriever, Bazurto’s Faye Webster (GRCH Hyspire Fade to Black x CH Bazurto’s A Vegas Tourist Attraction CGCA CGCU WC), secured yet another well-earned win.
Dog shows are always filled with fascinating people, but this time, during some downtime, I struck up a conversation with a young man who had a story I never saw coming.
The Unexpected Conversation About a Watch
I first noticed his watch, a stylish and classic piece—something you don’t see much these days. Curious, I commented on it, and he told me it was an award for his contributions to a cause. A young man getting an award for actual contributions? That alone is rare enough these days.
Naturally, I asked, So what do you do? He answered, I’m in the Ugly Fruit business.
I immediately regretted asking. The phrase Ugly Fruit business sounded bizarre, and my mind jumped to all the strange things I’ve seen on my old computer’s pop-up ads. Just a few days ago, I saw an ad for a dating website called something like Ugly Jane or Plain Jane dot something, so I braced myself for what was coming next.
Still, I couldn’t help myself. I asked, What the heck is that?!
What Is Ugly Fruit?
What this young man told me floored me.
Grocery stores have strict cosmetic standards for produce. If fruits and vegetables don’t meet those aesthetic requirements—whether they’re slightly misshapen, off-colored, or just “not pretty enough”—they are classified as ugly fruit.
Farmers already know that a significant percentage of their harvest will be rejected, so they price their sellable fruit higher to cover the loss. If it costs a farmer $1 per apple to grow and harvest, but he knows that half of them will be rejected, he has to sell the selected apples for $2 each to compensate.
Meanwhile, the rejected ugly fruit often ends up in compost or a landfill.
A Charity That Turns Ugly Fruit Into Food
The young man explained that he started a nonprofit to rescue ugly fruit before it gets wasted. Instead of letting it rot, he uses donations to:
- Transport rejected fruit from farms.
- Process it into products like apple sauce, pear sauce, frozen pie fillings, and other food items.
- Distribute these foods to food banks and charity organizations that serve people in need.
And that’s why he was wearing that watch—it was given to him by one of the organizations he supports as a symbol of appreciation.
The Struggle of Funding a Good Cause
Now, here’s where the real shocker came in.
I asked how the business was going and how he was doing financially. His response?
“No one really cares about a charity that isn’t about DEI, trans issues, or backed by the Democratic agenda.”
I was floored. Again.
I had just read an article a few days ago about USAID (United States Agency for International Development) funding things like:
- A transgender opera in Colombia.
- LGBT activism in Guatemala.
- Irrigation canals for poppy cultivation in Afghanistan (FYI, poppies are used to produce opium).
Meanwhile, a guy trying to turn wasted food into meals for the hungry is struggling to raise funds because he’s not checking the right political boxes.
(Source: MSN – USAID Under Fire)
I was floored… once again.
A Broader Perspective
This entire encounter made me think about how resources are allocated.
On one hand, millions of taxpayer dollars are sent overseas for questionable projects, while on the other, a young man trying to solve a real, tangible problem here at home can’t get the support he needs.
I don’t know about you, but I think funding food for the hungry sounds a whole lot more useful than a taxpayer-funded transgender opera or irrigation for opium farming.
Lessons From the Kennel Club Show
As a dog breeder, I’m no stranger to judging based on appearance. Dog shows are, after all, competitions where dogs are evaluated on their pedigree, structure, and movement.
But this experience reminded me of something important: just because something isn’t “pretty” by conventional standards doesn’t mean it lacks value.
Whether it’s an ugly apple that could feed a hungry family or a dedicated young man trying to make a difference, we should be looking beyond appearances.
The Takeaway
This was one of those conversations that sticks with you. It made me question how we, as a society, decide what’s worth funding and supporting.
And while I’ll always be passionate about breeding top-quality Labrador Retrievers, this encounter reminded me to also support causes that make a real difference.
Learn More About Bazurto Kennels
If you’re looking for a well-bred Labrador Retriever, check out Bazurto Kennels – a REAL WOMAN, Woman-owned business. No government handout needed.
We’re committed to breeding healthy, well-tempered Labradors that make wonderful companions and champions.
Final Thoughts
I left that conversation at the dog show feeling inspired and frustrated at the same time. Inspired by this young man’s drive, but frustrated at how difficult it is for people like him to get the funding they deserve.
Maybe it’s time we start supporting real, impactful solutions instead of chasing political trends.
