Families Encouraged To Find Ways To Reduce Food Waste

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Florida Food Waste Prevention Week is April 4-8, and Hillsborough County Solid Waste wants residents to consider the impact and some solutions.

Food waste makes up one of the largest sectors of Hillsborough County’s waste stream and has many negative effects on the environment and human health if not managed correctly. Wasted food is one of the largest components of garbage collected curbside in Hillsborough County.

It is not just a local problem. Food waste is a major concern around the world. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set a national goal of cutting food waste in half by 2030.

• In Florida, the average family of four throws out about $1,600 worth of food annually. Nationally, that's more than $218 billion.
• About 40 percent of all food grown and produced in the United States is never eaten.
• Wasted food breaks down and emits greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, that harm the environment.

Spreading the message about conserving food, saving money, and supporting a healthy environment is the goal of Florida Food Waste Prevention Week organizers. Florida joined the movement in 2021, and Hillsborough County was an inaugural partner. The county is a partner again in 2022.

Here are some tips to help prevent food waste:

• Save leftovers and store/freeze food in portion-ready containers
• Cook only what is needed for a meal
• Plan a "leftover night" each week to empty the refrigerator before shopping again
• Pay attention to what you throw away; it will influence your next shopping trip
• Keep kitchen essentials on hand (grains, spices, sauces) that bring new life to old meals
• Freeze ripe fruits and vegetables for use when baking, cooking, and filling in gaps in recipes
• Composting 
• Plan menus for the week and prepare a shopping list
• Match your shopping to the reality of your week
• Buy smaller quantities, if appropriate, to avoid spoilage and waste
• Don't shop hungry
• Pay in cash so the amount you spend is tangible
• If you bought items that you won't use, donate them before the expiration date
• If you bring a lunch to work, bring only what you will eat
• If you do have leftovers, save them for the next day if you have a refrigerator at work
• If you brought too much, share with others
• If ordering takeout/delivery, save leftovers or share an order
• Bring leftovers from last night's dinner to work for lunch.

There are many ways to get involved during Food Waste Prevention Week.

You can register for webinars, pledge to reduce food waste, and participate in a Food Bank Challenge.

There also are teaching resources available, a student art contest and a "Hack-a-thon" in which high school and college students develop ways to prevent food waste.

You can attend a class on nutrition and health at the UF/IFAS Extension office in Hillsborough County, including about composting unused food and food scraps. Check the UF/IFAS calendar for upcoming sessions.