Waste Not, Want Not: Simple Guide to Reducing Food Waste
Reducing food waste is a simple method anyone can use to fight food insecurity. Did you know that every year, billions of pounds of food go to waste in America? According to the USDA – an estimated 30-40% of the food supply in the United States is wasted. This is a serious issue that not only has a negative impact on our environment, but also contributes to food insecurity and hunger in our communities.
Knowledge is Power: Meals in Motion Leads the Charge
At the front lines in the fight against food insecurity, is a reputable nonprofit Meals in Motion. Meals in Motion is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending child hunger in America. Through various programs, Meals in Motion provides nutritious meals and culinary education to families in need. Empowering families with knowledge to alleviate the burden of food insecurity. According to Nicholas Doran, President, Meals in Motion. “We believe it is important to empower families with knowledge, and resources to fight food insecurity”.
Reducing food waste by just 15% could help feed more than 25 million Americans. This is according to a study done by the Natural Resources Defense Council. Using those statistics, you can see why it’s important for all of us to do our part in reducing food waste. You may be wondering how? In the following section we’ll provide you with some practical tips for reducing food waste. Then be sure to read on for a delicious recipe for homemade banana bread.
The Ugly Truth About Food Waste in America
Millions of families across America are fighting with food insecurity. Many working class families are struggling to put nutritious meals on the table every day. According to the USDA, almost 20% of households in America are food insecure. This is a serious issue, one that is exacerbated by the staggering amount of food waste that happens every day.
Food waste is a major contributor to food insecurity. Every day perfectly good food is thrown away, while millions of families go hungry. However, there are many simple strategies families can use to reduce their food waste. By doing something as simple as reusing leftovers; families can save money on their grocery bill and make the most of the food they have.
Here are five creative ways to repurpose leftovers and reduce food waste. These strategies are not only good for your wallet, but also for the planet. The next time you’re faced with leftover food, try one of these five strategies. Join the fight against food insecurity, and reduce your food waste.
5 Ways You Can Reuse Your Food
- Turn stale bread into breadcrumbs or croutons: Instead of tossing out stale bread, turn it into breadcrumbs or croutons. These are useful for soups, salads, and pasta dishes. Simply pulse the bread in a food processor until coarse, or cut it into cubes and toast it in the oven for homemade croutons.
- Use overripe fruit in smoothies or baked goods. Overripe fruit may not be appealing to eat on its own, but it can still be full of nutrition. This can be a great addition to smoothies or baked goods. Try blending overripe bananas, berries, or mangoes into a smoothie. Try using them to make banana bread or muffins.
- Make a “clean out the fridge” meal: Take a cue from professional chefs and create a “clean out the fridge” meal using whatever leftovers you have on hand. You can make a stir-fry, omelet, or pasta dish using leftover vegetables, meat, and grains.
- Leftover vegetables are great in soups or stir-fries. Don’t let leftover vegetables go to waste instead, use them in soups or stir-fries. Another idea is to roast or grill leftover vegetables and use them as a delicious and eye catching side dish.
- Freeze leftover meals for later: If you have leftover meals that you know you won’t be able to finish, don’t let them go to waste. Instead, freeze them for later use. You can use them as a quick and easy meal on a busy day or donate them to a local food bank or shelter.
How This Helps?
Reusing leftovers in creative ways will help save money on your grocery bill. Allow your family to try new exciting meals. When you reduce food waste, it leaves a positive impact on your community. So the next time you have leftovers, try one of these five strategies. Let’s see how easy it can be to make the most of the food we have at home.
Families Cooking Together
Have you ever overripe bananas that you don’t know what to do with? Don’t throw them away! Instead, try this simple banana bread recipe. You’ll not only get a fresh treat that tastes delicious, but you’ll also have reduced food waste.
This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also uses simple ingredients that are likely to be found in most households. By using up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste, you can reduce your food waste and save money on your grocery bill. Plus, this banana bread is a great way to provide a tasty and nutritious treat for your family.
Simple Homemade Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl.
- Add the melted butter and mix well.
- Stir in the baking soda and salt.
- Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why Is Reducing Food Waste So Important?
As we wrap up this article, let’s reflect on the impact we can make as individuals and as a community by reducing our food waste. The statistics of food waste and its contribution to food insecurity in America are staggering. However nonprofits, like Meals in Motion, are empowering families to explore easy and creative ways to reduce waste and make a positive impact.
Simply reusing leftovers and undesirable produce, you can save money, reduce food waste, and make a difference in the fight against hunger. Also by supporting organizations like Meals in Motion, a 501c(3) nonprofit committed to empowering underserved children and families, we can come together to make an even greater impact.
Here’s how you can make an impact.
We cannot express enough gratitude for the support we have received, but we still need your help to continue our mission. By donating or becoming a corporate sponsor, you can directly support our efforts to access new areas and provide resources for families in need.
Join us in the fight against food insecurity and let’s make a difference together. Click the link to learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference today.