The “ugliest-looking tomatoes” left behind at farmers markets and sweet potatoes “the size of a baby” are prized finds for executive chef Ismail Samad of Dorchester’s Daily Table. The nonprofit grocery store sells farms’ leftover produce and other edibles picked up by Boston Area Gleaners, dairy products from companies like Stonyfield and Hood that are nearing their sell-by dates and proteins that are purchased at a discount. “You’ve got all this food that’s perfectly fine, but on the other hand, so many people can’t afford a wholesome meal for their families,” says Samad, who comes from a Vermont restaurant that followed a similar model. Now, his bustling kitchen transforms surplus foodstuffs into prepared meals that cost less than $4 per portion, made with “perfectly healthy and nutritious food” that may have otherwise been thrown away.

Daily Table is only 6 months old, but its leadership team—including Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods execs—is already looking for a second location in the city. “Our kitchen is large enough to become a commissary to support satellite stores,” says Samad, who relishes his role cooking for the 300-plus members who shop at the store each day. “You can come in and feed a family of four for under 10 bucks,” he adds. “We’re really diverting food from the landfill and getting it into people’s tummies, which is great.”

450 Washington St., Boston (617-506-0219) dailytable.org