According to a study by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the average American family wastes about one-third of the food it buys each week, which amounts to approximately 20 pounds of food per person per month. The financial impact of wasting food is worse than ever since statistics from the US Department of Agriculture shows consumed at home food prices increased by 11.4% in 2022.
Here are a few ways to reduce food waste:
- Plan meals ahead of time and make a grocery list to buy only what you need.
- Store food properly to extend its shelf life, such as keeping fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator and using airtight containers for leftovers.
- Use leftovers creatively by incorporating them into new meals or freezing them for later use.
- Buy only what you can realistically consume before the expiration date.
- Donate excess food to food banks or charities.
- Prepare the appropriate number of portions to reduce food waste from leftovers.
- Repurpose food scraps like vegetable ends and bones to make stocks and broths.
By following these simple tips, we can reduce food waste and keep more money in your bank account.
