By Lydia Hillman, Department of Public Works and Transportation
According to the FDA, food waste is the largest category of material placed in municipal landfills—an estimated 30 to 40 percent of the U.S. food supply is wasted per year. Save money and reduce food waste at home and during events with the following tips.
Donate, Don’t Dump
If you're hosting a large event and have bulk food leftovers, share surplus food with your neighbors or donate your leftover food to a local agency that addresses hunger in your community (registered as a 501(c)(3) organization). Find a food pantry near you.
If you're worried about liability, consult the federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act to see how you are protected.
Make the Most of Your Food Scraps
Use food scraps in your kitchen and home:
- Stale bread—Use your stale slices of bread to make French toast or breadcrumbs.
- Bones—Slow cook bones in water to make a delicious bone broth. Once the bones are soft, blend or purée the completely softened bones to make a treat for your dog!
- Citrus peels—Use dried peels to make your own candied citrus peels, air freshener or mix with your favorite tea blend.
- Banana peels—Put the peels in your watering can. Add water and use this water to hydrate plants that need a boost of potassium. Once you are finished, dispose of the peels in your home compost.
- Check out recipes that utilize common leftovers from Love Food Hate Waste.
- Use your food scraps outside in your garden as nutrient-rich compost!
- Review our February 2022 blog post for tips and information to help you waste less food.