Hospitality Bites

From Ugly Fruit to Bold Impact: A Soldier's Story to End Food Waste and Feed Communities with The Ugly Company. With Guest Ben Moore, a U.S. Veteran, 4th-Generation Farmer, Entrepreneur, and Founder Hosted by: Colleen Silk

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In this episode, Colleen Silk sits down with Ben Moore, a fourth-generation farmer and the founder of The Ugly Company—a purpose-driven brand redefining what’s “ugly” in food.

From military service to peach orchards, Ben’s journey is anything but traditional. Inspired by his grandmother’s passion for preserving food and his own calling to serve, Ben transformed rejected fruit into a powerful brand that fights food waste, nourishes kids, and makes an impact in underserved communities.

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What We Discussed:

  • Ben’s background and transition from military service to mission-driven farming
  • The origins and evolution of The Ugly Company in the CPG space
  • His grandmother’s influence on his values, vision, and the brand’s heart
  • Why reducing food waste means rethinking how we define "value"
  • The brand’s growing impact on nutrition access in schools and local programs

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 Key Takeaways:

  • Food waste has a fix—and it starts on the farm.
  • Military discipline meets farming values in Ben’s entrepreneurial path.
  • Family legacy matters, especially when it's rooted in nourishment and love.
  • The Ugly Company is more than snacks—it’s a movement touching schools and communities across the country.

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#HospitalityBites #BenMoore #FoodWaste #NutritiousOptions #TheUglyCompany #Farming #PackofUgly #FarmToSnack #VeteranEntrepreneur

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Connect with The Ugly Company:

🌐 Website: https://www.theuglyco.com

 📸 Instagram: @packofugly

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About Hospitality Bites:

Hosted by Colleen Silk, Hospitality Bites is an honest and restorative space for voices within the hospitality industry. More than just a podcast, it serves as a storytelling platform for changemakers, risk-takers, and hospitality professionals who are approaching their work in innovative ways. Each episode features guests ranging from chefs to advocates and media personalities, focusing on mental and physical health, personal experiences, and the realities of thriving in the hospitality industry and beyond.


New episodes of Hospitality Bites drop every Monday, now proudly under the Walk-In Talk Media umbrella.

 Watch the full episode on YouTube the following week.

 Want to get involved, sponsor, or learn more? Visit HospitalityBites.com

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Hospitality BitesBy Colleen Silk