The holiday season brings a lot of magic to the table, from spending quality time with friends and family to the abundance of delicious food. While the overwhelming amount of food may be enticing short-term the long-term effects are significantly contributing to the food waste crisis. While enjoying mouthwatering homemade meals is a wonderful part of the holiday season, implementing some simple changes can reduce your food waste and support a healthy environment. Follow these simple tips to save time, money, and our planet this holiday season because preventing food waste is the gift that keeps on giving.
Tips for Preventing Food Waste During the Holidays
Cook and Serve with a Plan
The easiest way to reduce food waste during the holidays is to buy and prepare the right amount of food in the first place. Once the home chef knows roughly how much food is needed, create a detailed shopping list and stick to it. This will prevent getting sucked in by holiday displays and specialty items that commonly cause excessive purchasing resulting in wasted food.
Reducing Serving Sizes
During the meal, reduce portion waste by using smaller plates and serving utensils, it sounds crazy, but it works! Guests can always come back for seconds or thirds.
Send Guests Home with Leftovers
Having a plan for leftovers is another way to ensure the prepared food is eaten. After all, half the goodness of a holiday feast is the delicious leftovers. Provide containers for guests to take food home, freeze leftovers for a later date or use those leftovers in creative ways for other upcoming means.
Donate What You Can
One last thing you can do is donate your leftovers to a food bank, soup kitchen, or shelter. Make sure to check guidelines and rules before dropping items off. The State of Michigan Good Samaritan Act provides liability protection for food donors, as long as they do not act with negligence or intentional misconduct, and see the food is fit for human consumption.
Natural Choice Foods is dedicated to achieving zero waste sustainability goals and ending the food waste and insecurity epidemic. Interested in learning more about our commitment and services? Contact us today!