While local families are stretching budgets to buy groceries, tons of good food end up in landfills. According to the World Wildlife Fund, nearly one-third of food in the U.S. goes uneaten, with half of this waste occurring in households. The average household of four spends nearly $3,000 a year on wasted food that goes uneaten and gets discarded.
Yet many of our community members are struggling with access to food and don’t know how they will pay for their next meal. Food insecurity affects more people than many realize, but together we can make a real impact.
During Food Waste Prevention Week Sept. 28 – Oct. 4 we are sharing how critical the food waste problem truly is and offering ideas for reducing waste while helping your neighbors and the planet.
Here are some simple steps you can take today to reduce food waste in your home:
● Plan your meals and review recipes in advance.
● Check your pantry and fridge before going shopping.
● Write a grocery list and stick to it.
● Store your food properly or freeze it before it goes bad. Veggies, fruits, breads, meat, and even cheese can be frozen.
● Eat leftovers once a week, or freeze them if you will eat them in the future.
● Donate unexpired food to local Beyond Hunger or The Community Fridge Project to share your excess with neighbors. Currently in the Oak Park and Austin neighborhoods, the Community Fridge Project maintains six free, 24/7 community fridges and pantries. They’re open to anyone, no cost, no ID, no questions. For questions or to learn how to volunteer or donate food or funds, visit communityfridgeproject.org.
● Lastly, compost expired food and food trimmings through the village of Oak Park CompostAble program.
Karen McMillin & Judy Klem
The Community Fridge Project
Jennifer Dowd
Seven Generations Ahead
Wasted Food Action Alliance