food waste - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

Cassandra watched the man in the deli carve the meat and then put aside one slice. She was curious. The slice looked good, from the middle of the joint. So she asked why it was separated from what her grandmother bought. The man replied, "We are told to throw it away. I'd rather not though. Sometimes I ask customers if they want it for free and they refuse." After a small pause, she asked what was wrong with the first slice. "Nothing!" he replied, "It's good! It could be slightly drier but still very good!"