5 Ways You Can Help With Food Waste

Did you know that one-third of all food produced in the world is wasted? That’s a lot of food! If you’re looking for ways to help reduce food waste, here are five simple steps that can help you become part of the solution and make a difference in reducing food waste.

Meal Plan

One way to avoid wasting food is to plan out your meals ahead of time. When you know what meals you’ll be making for the week, it helps prevent overbuying or impulse purchases at the grocery store. Not to mention, meal planning makes busy weeks less stressful!

Buy In Bulk

Buying large quantities of items will help keep your pantry stocked with ingredients for future meals without having to run back and forth between the grocery store throughout the week. Just make sure that when purchasing items in bulk, they are things that won't spoil quickly as this will only result in more wasted food.  

Use Leftovers

Leftovers often get the eye roll, but some meals almost taste better leftover!  Plus they're a great way to reduce food waste. Don't be afraid to get creative and transform last night's meal to another tasty recipe.  For example, if you have leftover chicken from last night, use it as a topping on a salad or tacos for lunch the next day! This not only reduces waste but also saves time when preparing meals throughout the week. 

Donate To Food Banks

There are plenty of people in need who would greatly appreciate any donations given towards helping fight hunger in our communities. Every little bit counts. Don't be afraid to donate excess food from your pantry or fridge that may otherwise go bad if not used in time.     

Composting

Say goodbye to your carbon footprint! Composting gets rid of food scraps that would otherwise end up in landfills. Recycling these scraps into compost helps give vital nutrients back into the soil which can help support future plant growth while also providing benefits like better water retention capacity within soil, improved moisture levels, and even better taste results when consuming fruits and vegetables grown with composted soil! It's a win-win for the environment and your health.     

Reducing food waste has never been easier! By following these five simple steps—meal planning ahead of time, buying items in bulk when possible, using leftovers creatively, donating excess foods to those in need, and composting—we can all do our part toward reducing the amount of global food waste while also making sure everyone has access to nutritious meals.