TastyChomps is proud to be a sponsor of Food Waste Prevention Week – this April 4-8, 2022.

Why is Reducing Food Waste Important?

It Saves Money

Wasting food is expensive. Every year, Americans lose more than $218 billion on wasted food. In Florida, the average family of four throws out around $1,600 worth of food annually. Households are responsible for the most wasted food. If we begin to reduce and prevent food waste, we can save that money that is wasted on spoiled food.

It Protects the Environment

Reducing food waste is the #1 personal action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while safeguarding critical natural resources. When food is wasted, it goes into a landfill. Once in a landfill, food waste breaks down and emits greenhouse gasses, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Methane is 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide, making it more damaging to the environment. If we reduce food waste, we could save the environment from this damage.

It Reduces Hunger

In the US, approximately 40% of all food grown and produced is never eaten. That’s a lot of food wasted that could go to people that don’t have access to food. 1 in 5 people lack consistent access to nutritious food, while up to 3 million tons of wasted food goes to landfills annually. Recovered food provides an additional source of nutritious food.

WAYS THAT YOU CAN TAKE ACTION AGAINST FOOD WASTE

At home

Save leftovers and store/freeze food in portion-ready containers
Cook only what is needed for that meal
Make one night a weekly “leftover” night to empty the refrigerator before shopping again
Audit what you throw away; it will influence your next shopping trip
Keep kitchen essentials on hand (grains, spices, sauces) that bring new life to old meals
Freeze ripe fruits and vegetables before baking, cooking and filling in gaps in recipes
Compost

When shopping

Plan menus for the week and prepare a shopping list
Stick to your shopping list
Match your shopping to the reality of your week
Buy smaller quantities, if appropriate, to avoid spoilage and waste
Don’t shop hungry
Pay in cash so the amount your spending is tangible
If you bought items that you won’t use, donate them before the expiration date

At work

If you bring a lunch, bring only what you will eat
In the case of leftovers, save for the next day, if you have a work refrigerator
If you brought too much, share with others
If ordering takeout/delivery, save leftovers or share an order