Last week, I faced some leftovers that were a challenge. The chicken was dry, a carrot looked sad and limp, and the yogurt had a container of moldy blueberries, three weeks past its expiry date.
Some might see this as waste, but I see it as potential meals waiting to happen. To me, there’s no such thing as food that’s too old to eat.
However, being open to eating discarded food can be hard. I often watch people toss away perfectly good meals without even considering sharing them. It’s a tough sight.
At work, I’ve learned to skip the office kitchen on fridge-cleaning days. Every month, a variety of old meals are thrown out—each one holding memories and flavor. One time, I stayed late while our cleaner cleared out the fridge. I’ll never forget the sound of curry splashing into the trash. It haunted me that night.
Embracing leftovers isn’t just about the food; it often leads to judgment from others. I vividly recall rescuing a McDonald’s burger that had been out for 14 hours. It wasn’t worth the strange looks from my neighbors or the stomach ache I ended up with. Still, my willingness to save food means fewer scraps end up in landfills and it saves me money.
Think about it—what does it cost you to let someone else enjoy your leftover chips at the pub? What do you lose when you throw away soggy fruit salad? These questions can make you feel like an outcast. But it’s worth it to reflect on the idea of sharing food and supporting those who may be less fortunate.
Some may turn their noses up at food that seems stale. That’s okay. Just remember that there are many who would happily enjoy it and might even ask for more.
Check out this related article: Join the Movement: How MT Food Bank and Local Neighbors Unite to Enhance Food Access for Tribal Nations
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