The statistics about food waste in the United States are not pretty. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 30 to 40 percent of the food supply in the U.S. is never eaten. Much is wasted in the process of producing and selling it, but we, the consumers, contribute to this statistic as well. Food waste is the single most common material landfilled or incinerated in the U.S., creating serious environmental problems. Better news is that the government set a goal in 2024 to reduce food waste by 50 percent by 2030. However, as is typical for big interagency initiatives, progress has been slow.
ReFED, a U.S.-based nonprofit working to spur the food system toward evidence-based action to stop wasting food, predicts that 312 million pounds of food will be wasted by Americans this Thanksgiving alone. It seems safe to say that all our holiday meals will follow the familiar wasteful pattern of “more is better than enough.”
So, what can we do to be more thoughtful about food waste this holiday season and every day? Here are some plan-ahead tips to make a difference:
- Create a menu.
- Estimate how much food you will need per guest: Try this guestimator.
- Shop your pantry: Before you leave the house, check your pantry and fridge to avoid duplication.
- Write a detailed shopping list: Use your menu to create a detailed shopping list. Itemize what you need, and purchase only what is on the list.
- Prepare for leftovers: Provide or remind guests to BYO containers for leftovers. You may have some take-out containers that can be repurposed. Try to avoid plastic wrap.
- Freeze leftovers or use them in days ahead.
- Donate extra food to your local food pantry, such as The People’s Pantry at Saint James Place in Great Barrington. For information on what can be donated, visit their website. If you have items that you think might be accepted but you are not sure, email them (info@thepeoplespantrygb.org) or call (413) 591-0301.
- Create a compost plan: As you prepare the meal, you will probably create lots of food scraps. Compost them, and encourage your guests to do the same.
I hope you will consider these ideas an opportunity to steward the planet. Let’s enjoy our gatherings and be grateful for the abundance we can share with family, neighbors, friends, and those in need.
