About 40 percent of food grown in the United States goes uneaten. On average, Americans toss and waste 23 pounds of potentially edible food per person each month. At this rate, food waste is costing the average family of four approximately $190 per month! Food waste not only is hard on our pocketbooks but also challenges our natural resources. Use the tips below and use our latest Building Strong Families Newsletter to reduce your personal food waste.
- Be aware of how much food you throw away.
- Shop your refrigerator first! Cook or eat what you already have at home before buying more.
- Plan your menu before shopping and buy only those things on your menu.
- Buy only what you realistically need and will use. Buying in bulk only saves money if you are able to use the food before it spoils.
- Be creative! If safe and healthy, use the edible parts of food that you normally do not eat.
- Safely preserve surplus fruits and vegetables – especially abundant seasonal produce.
- At restaurants, order only what you can finish by asking about portion sizes and be aware of side dishes included with entrees. Take home the leftovers and keep them for your next meal.
- Check the temperature setting of your fridge. Use a refrigerator thermometer to make sure the temperature is at 40° F or below.
By: Ashley Svaty
