Minimize Food Waste and Bring Your Leftovers to Life!

One of the most common issues people run in to when trying to improve their eating habits and cook at home is dealing with food waste (and therefore, wasted money). Not only is this a problem for your wallet, but it’s also a problem for the environment.

Let’s consider the food system in the US. This system is extremely complex, utilizing resources that many of us don’t consider as we shop for our food at our local grocery stores and farmer’s markets. It’s a shame when all of those resources go to waste. Think about that bag of spinach that wilts in your fridge.

Not to worry, we’re here to help! Throughout this post you will find helpful information, recipes, and sample shopping lists and meal plans. Our goal is to minimize food waste in your home. You can work towards a healthy, sustainable future for yourself, your friends, and your family!

First of All, Let’s Talk Produce

Fresh, Frozen, Dried & Canned : Some of the most commonly wasted food are fresh fruits and vegetables. Many people believe that fresh is the healthiest option in the grocery store, but this often is not the case.

The following table outlines the pros and cons of the different forms of fruits and veggies that you may find at your grocery store. This can help you to make a more educated decision when it comes to purchasing these items for yourself and/or your family.

Most of us don’t get enough fruits & vegetables in our diets, need more inspiration? Check out this great resource – https://fruitsandveggies.org/

Make a Plan

Other foods such as dairy, grains, or protein are often wasted due to poor planning. In order to give you an idea of what weekly meal planning may look like for you and your family, we have provided three week-long meal plans for families of four.

• Unrestricted meal plan & shopping lists
• Vegetarian meal plan & shopping lists
• Pescatarian meal plan & shopping lists

When reading through these meal plans, take note of the thought processes behind the planning. Using leftovers from a day or two before and adding new ingredients and spices can recreate even more fun, nutrient-packed dishes!

As you also may notice, some meals have links to recipe guides in order to aid in navigating the kitchen while preparing your meals. These recipes are merely guidelines. Feel free to get creative! If there are ingredients that you would prefer or some that you may not like, switch it up and make it your own!

These resources are designed to help you reduce your food waste, get an idea of what a weekly meal plan should look like, and prove to you that healthy eating does not have to be boring or wasteful!

Karlie S. Kelly MS, Dietetic Intern