| REUSING FOOD
Reusing food that would other wise go to the landfill helps save the planet, helps people in need, and helps save money! Reusing food helps divert some of the approximately 133 billion pounds of food waste that is generated in the US anually. Instead of feeding landfills, we should be feeding people by donating different types of food to many different types of organizations. The less we throw away can also translate into less we have to buy at the grocery store. |
REUSING FOOD TO COOK NEW DISHES:
Don't toss those used potato peels out: Save them to create some rustic potato chips! A great way to reduce food waste in the kitchen and save money is to use food scraps to create completely new dishes.
You do not have to stop at food scraps; you can also give food past its prime a second life. Like using overripe avocados to make your chocolate mousse creamier and healthier. Check out these great RECIPES from savethefood.com.
REUSING FOOD TO HELP PEOPLE (DONATIONS):
Hunger in America exists for over 50 million people. Food bank network members of Feeding America supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Food pantries provide food to families experiencing food insecurity, and accept canned and boxed goods with distant expiration dates that don't require refrigeration. Find the nearest FOOD PANTRY to you and what items they accept.
You can also download a new app called "OLIO" a free app connecting people with their neighbors and with local shops so surplus food and other items can be shared, not thrown away.
REUSING FOOD TO REGROW PRODUCE:Another way to cut down on what we throw away in the kitchen is to use fruit and vegetable scraps to regrow a whole new plant! You do not need a green thumb to give your produce a second life; all your food scraps need is a little care and time to save on your grocery bill and reduce what is usually thrown out. Check out these easy INSTRUCTIONS for 19 foods you can grow from food scraps. |  |
REUSING FOOD TO FEED ANIMALS:
According to the EPA’s Food Recovery Hierarchy , feeding animals is one of the most effective ways to deal with food waste that cannot be used to feed people. Businesses can divert food scraps and save money in disposal
costs by using them to feed animals through partnerships with a local farms.
This model can also be implemented on a smaller scale with household animals/pets. Even though feeding your pets food scraps should be done sparingly and carefully, it can be a great way to divert a small potion of food scraps. Have you ever thought of keeping chickens in your backyard? Chickens are fantastic composters for your kitchen scraps and also come in handy in getting rid of yard waste. Below is a list of food scraps that are safe and not safe; for more information on keeping chickens, click HERE.
 | FOOD SCRAPS
SAFE FOR CHICKENS:
- Bread
- Meats (cooked, tiny pieces)
- Corn
- Fruits
- Grains
- Oatmeal
- Peas
- Vegetables
| FOOD SCRAPS NOT SAFE FOR CHICKENS:
- Avocados - Chocolate or candy - Citrus - Green Potato Skins - Dry Beans - Processed foods, greasy foods - Moldy or Rotten Food - Salt (excess) - Raw meat |