Food Waste Prevention

Food waste is a big concern in the U.S. From farm to table, almost 30% of all food is wasted, according to the 2025 U.S. Food Waste Report by ReFED. In 2023, the U.S. generated a whopping 73.9 million tons of surplus food, valued at approximately $382 billion dollars! While 9% of that was put to good use as livestock feed, 85% of it ended up in the waste stream, either in landfills, sewer systems, or left unharvested. Food waste impacts the climate, squanders the resources required for its production, including water, fuel, and fertilizer, and can have considerable environmental and economic impacts. Food Waste Prevention Week is April 7^th-13th and aims to educate and inspire cultural change on food waste.

In 2023, the residential sector was the largest contributor to food waste, surpassing farms, manufacturing, and the food service industry, and this trend has persisted even in the face of higher food prices. But there are a number of steps you can take to help reduce food waste and save money. Here are a few tips to help reduce food waste in your household:

1) Schedule regular clean outs: Set aside a few minutes each week to clean and organize your refrigerator and pantry. Use the FIFO method (First In, First Out) to make sure you eat your older foods first, as they are more likely to lose their freshness and flavor.

2) Understanding label dates: Did you know that dates on food are not required except for baby formula? In fact, “Best By”, “Use By”, and “Sell By” refer to quality, not food safety. However, AB 660 will be here soon which will help eliminate confusion. This new law will require food manufacturers to use the same phrase across all products and eliminate the confusing “Sell By” date.

3) Plan your meals: How often have you bought something at the store only to realize that you already had the item at home? Check your pantry and fridge before creating your weekly meal plan. Using the items that you already have will save you time and money. Don’t forget to make a list before heading to the store too!

4) Eat your leftovers: Weekly meal planning can save you time and reduce the stress about dinner. Don’t plan on cooking every night either, leftovers can serve as a quick and easy lunch or dinner option on those busy days. Eating your leftovers not only prevents food waste but also prevents wasting all the effort you put into it.

When you do have food waste, you can properly dispose of it by placing it in your green organic bin from Athens Services. That way, your food waste and yard trimmings won’t be wasted; they will be converted into rich and nutritious compost that can be used for farms, parks, or home gardens.

For more resources and information, visit Food Waste Prevention Week.