Did you know nearly 40 percent of food in our country will never be consumed? Food waste affects every stage of the supply chain, from the farms, distributors and grocery stores to our very own homes.
It’s often an innocent mistake to forget about food in the refrigerator or pantry, yet 42 million Americans are food insecure with inconsistent access to an appropriate amount of affordable, wholesome food. How impactful is food waste and what can we do to help lessen the effects?
Food Waste Statistics
If you’ve ever wondered what happens to unsold fruits and vegetables, the US Department of Agriculture estimates an annual loss of $15 billion!
In our homes, we dispose of nearly 30 million tons of food each year, which equates to about 25 percent of food bought by a family of four. This food waste ends up in landfills and contributes to our global carbon footprint.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, 7 percent of worldwide emissions can be attributed to food waste!
How to Stop Food Waste
Research from the National Resource Defense Council shows that a 15 percent reduction in food waste each year would be enough to feed 25 million Americans – approximately 60 percent of the food insecure population. The following steps can help reduce food waste:
- Don’t Overbuy: Plan your meals for the week and only buy the ingredients you need.
- Eat Leftovers: Save and store leftovers for future meals, rather than throwing away excess.
- Store Properly: Use airtight, freezer-safe containers that keep food fresh for longer.
- Compost Scraps: Keep food waste out of landfills and reduce methane emissions.
- Donate Excess: If you have a surplus of non-perishables, donate to the local food pantry.
In addition to less food waste, there are also some benefits for you as a consumer:
- Save money buying less food
- Reduce carbon footprint
- Support the community
At Colony Diner, it’s our pleasure to feed your family! For large portions, breakfast served all day and housemade desserts, visit our Wallingford restaurant today.