Freegans aren’t new. I first read about them around 8 years ago.
I’m all about a good dumpster dive. But not for food. I coupon and other stuff to save money on food. I do, however, have 3 30 degree sleeping bags, hockey flags, 4 insulated lunch coolers, 2 fleece (LLBean type) dog beds and 3 tents. All from ONE dive. Oh, and they were all brand new with tags. The dumpster was in a business district, so it was mostly paper goods...no stinky! We STILL talk about that night. good times. good times. ;-)
You are correct. The freegan thing isn’t new. What the article is claiming is new...is it is middle America now doing it.