Tips for food gatherings:
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Buy only what you need. It's easy to get excited about all the holiday food favorites popping up in stores and markets. These often lead to a significant increase in the amount of wasted food coming from households compared to the rest of the year. Take a moment to first assess what you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer.
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Use what you already have. The FIFO (First In, First Out) rule used by restaurants and commercial kitchens ensures that food doesn't get pushed to the back and forgotten. For example, use the older container of broth in your pantry before opening the one you just bought. Also, when assessing the contents of your kitchen, see if you can build some rediscovered ingredients into your menu. Remember that food date labels are indicators of quality NOT safety, so don't be afraid to open up and try out ingredients that have already passed their date. Get more information and tips on our Date Label page.
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Prepare just the right amount. Leftovers are inevitable, but the Guest-Imator Tool from Save the Food helps you get a clear idea of how much food you need depending on who will be joining your table. It also allows you to adjust your ingredients and portions accordingly in case you want to plan for more leftovers!
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Have a plan for leftovers. Don't be shy about sending people home with leftovers and for any food that you know won't be consumed in the next couple of days, be sure to portion it out and freeze it for later. Consider reinventing what does get left behind with dishes such as: Shepherd's Pie, Turkey Soup, Bread Pudding, and Cranberry Treats. Browse this website for more ideas for making the most of any leftovers and extra ingredients.
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Remember to compost your inedible food scraps. Keep a small tub near your cutting board to collect vegetable trimmings, then easily dump into the curbside green bin. Go one step further and save those onion peels, carrot skins, and celery tops in the freezer for a delicious veggie stock.
More Holiday Food Tips:
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Think about giving back to community. Reach out to local organizations that are providing consistent support to people facing food insecurity. Contact neighborhood food pantries or community programs to find out what they need most right now—whether it’s funds, food, or volunteers. Find a local food recovery organization here.
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Give homemade treats as presents this holiday season. Instead of buying something new, consider making something from what you have in your kitchen or garden to share with neighbors, family and friends.
For more tips to reduce your waste and have a more sustainable holiday season, see the full list at StopWaste.org
