This year, April 7th through the 13th is Food Waste Prevention Week. I love this annual focus on preventing food waste which can benefit everyone.
Small changes made to decrease food waste can add up over time, save valuable food dollars, benefit the environment and conserve resources.
By cutting food waste in your home, you will save money.
Here are basic tips to prevent food waste:
1. Create a weekly meal plan. This will help show you what you need and can also help determine what you don’t need. Start with a chart of the days, three mealtimes and snacks, and list the menus for each day.
2. Shop from your pantry and refrigerator first before going to the grocery store. You may even realize you do not need to make that extra trip to the grocery store. This will save you both time and money.
3. In the grocery store, shop from a (pre-made and pre-thought out) written grocery list that matches your meal plan to control purchases. You can rotate and re-use your favorite meal plans. Buy only what you need.
4. Use leftovers wisely, by having a plan for how they will be used. Wasting food can be expensive.
5. Place an “EAT THIS NOW” container in your refrigerator, that is visible. This will help you see what needs to be eaten now before it spoils.
6. Consider freezing food before it goes bad. Freezing is a good way to preserve food for use later.
7. Monitor expiration dates and use food in a timely manner.
These are basic food waste prevention concepts. Learn them and even better, practice them. Know the value of food so you can stop food waste now.
Learn more with Broward Family and Consumer Sciences
13 QUICK TIPS TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE: Just do it! – UF/IFAS Extension Broward County
Reduce Food Waste: 10 Ways to Use Rotisserie Chicken – UF/IFAS Extension Broward County
Think About Reducing Food Waste Today – UF/IFAS Extension Broward County
Prevent Food Waste – UF/IFAS Extension Broward County
COUPONING SAVES MONEY – UF/IFAS Extension Broward County
Grocery Lists & Coupons Can Save Money for Busy Families – UF/IFAS Extension Broward County
#FoodWastePreventionWeek
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