Understanding Food Waste

Picture this: 40% of all food in the U.S. goes to waste - that's about 20 pounds per person monthly. Food waste isn't just about throwing away money; it impacts our time, environment, and communities.

Key Benefits of Reducing Waste

Time Savings:

• Cook once, eat twice
• Simplified meal planning
• Efficient shopping
• Reduced preparation
• Smart leftovers usage

Financial Benefits:

• Lower grocery bills
• Reduced food spending
• Better budget control
• Maximized purchases
• Smarter shopping

Environmental Impact:

• Less landfill use
• Reduced greenhouse gases
• Better resource utilization
• Lower water waste
• Decreased packaging needs

Practical Strategies

1. Smart Storage

• Proper refrigeration (40°F max)
• Freezer organization (0°F or lower)
• Airtight containers
• Proper food wrapping
• First-in, first-out rotation

2. Understanding Dates

• "Best if used by" - quality date
• "Expires on" - safety date
• Proper storage matters
• Visual inspection
• Smell test when appropriate

3. Imperfect Produce

• Shop "ugly" produce
• Use in smoothies/soups
• Save money
• Reduce waste
• Support sustainability

4. Community Sharing

• Share with neighbors
• Donate to food banks
• Build relationships
• Support food security
• Strengthen community

5. Meal Planning Benefits

• Reduced impulse buying
• Organized shopping
• Better portion control
• Less waste
• Healthier choices

Ready to Learn More?

Join our next free webinar at the VIV Academy, where we make health easy and accessible for every woman. Our weekly events offer practical strategies for creating sustainable healthy habits that honor your lifestyle and cultural preferences. Visit the Events tab at viv-academy.com to register for our next session.

References:

[1] Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. (n.d.). Food waste. The Nutrition Source.

[2] Hayes, J. F., et al. (2021). Greater Average Meal Planning Frequency Predicts Greater Weight Loss Outcomes in a Worksite-Based Behavioral Weight Loss Program. Annals of behavioral medicine, 55(1), 14-23.

[3] RTS. (n.d.). Food waste in America in 2022.

[4] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2019, May 23). Confused by date labels on packaged foods?

[5] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2022, February 17). How to cut food waste and maintain food safety.

[6] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2022, February 17). Tips to reduce food waste.