Join the Fight Against Food Waste: Celebrate National Food Waste Prevention Week from April 7-13!

Did you know that around one-third of the food supply in the U.S. ends up in the trash? A significant chunk of this waste, about 35%, comes from our homes. That’s more than the waste produced by farms and restaurants combined. But there are easy ways we can all help cut down on this waste.

During National Food Waste Prevention Week, from April 7 to 13, awareness about food waste is crucial. In Tennessee, the Department of Environment and Conservation is leading this initiative. Partners like the University of Tennessee Extension and the Society of St. Andrew are organizing events and food drives to educate residents on reducing waste.

Kristen Johnson, a nutrition specialist from the University of Tennessee, highlights the importance of tackling food waste. "Households waste nearly a third of the food they buy," she points out. This not only leads to financial loss but also worsens hunger in our communities. Reducing food waste can help save money and protect the environment.

Here are some easy tips for reducing food waste at home:

1. Plan Your Meals:
Before shopping, plan out your meals for the week. Check your pantry and fridge first to see what you already have, and use up any leftovers. Create a shopping list based on your meal plan and stick to it. Remember, bulk buying only saves money if you can eat or freeze the food before it goes bad.

2. Store Food Properly:
Proper storage can extend the life of your food. Refrigerate or freeze perishables within two hours of buying them. Some foods, like berries and leafy greens, should be kept in the fridge, while others, like bananas and tomatoes, can stay on the counter. It’s best to keep milk and eggs in the main part of the fridge, not the door.

3. Understand Food Labels:
Confusing labels like "Sell By," "Use By," and "Best if Used By” often lead to more food ending up in the trash. These dates indicate quality but are not always about food safety—except for infant formula. Products can still be safe to eat after these dates, as long as they haven’t spoiled.

4. Compost and Donate:
Instead of tossing out old food, consider composting scraps or donating safe, unused items to food banks. During National Food Waste Prevention Week, you can find numerous food drives across Tennessee, making it easy to contribute.

Recent data reveals that food waste represents a loss of about $408 billion annually in the U.S. This means that by being mindful of our food management, we not only save money but also make a positive impact on our communities and the planet.

For more resources and details about local initiatives, you can explore organizations like Feeding America and their food recovery programs.

By taking small steps at home, we can work together to combat food waste and foster a more sustainable future.

Check out this related article: FDA Cuts to Food and Drug Inspections: What It Means for Your Health and Safety