Reduce Food Waste
The average family throws away $2,275 worth of food every year. Most of this waste is due to over buying, plate waste and food spoilage. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a typical family throws out 40% of fresh fish, 23% of eggs and 20% of milk bought. The top fruits and vegetables thrown away are citrus fruit, cherries, sweet potatoes, onions and greens. With 2/3 of food waste due to spoilage and the other 1/3 lost to portion sizes, it seems like a very easy way to save money.
Here are ways to reduce your families food waste:
- Plan your meals-Check to see what is in your pantry, refrigerator and freezer so you purchase only what you need to make your meals
- Use a shopping list-you will be less likely to fall into the marketing traps while shopping
- Wash fresh fruit and arrange it in a bowl so it is visible and easy to grab for a snack
- Rotate your food-make sure you store your newly purchased pantry items in the back of the pantry
- Buy in season fruit and vegetables-they will be fresher so they last longer
- Freeze fresh fruit and vegetables before they spoil
- Cook correct portion sizes
- At the end of the week use leftover raw vegetables to make soups or broths
- Freeze corn cobs, shrimp shells, chicken skin/bones to make broths or soups
- Understand what "Use By" and "Sell By" dates mean
- When cooking large amounts like whole chickens or large cuts of steaks and pork plan for a second meal using the leftovers. Salads, stir fries, pasta casseroles, tacos and burritos are all easy and delicious.
- Compost
- Donate to a food pantry
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