FOOD
WASTE

In Focus

"See more clearly when you are informed"

Avoiding Food Waste is an often forgotten part of being environmentally conscious. While many looking to go green have gotten the message to reduce, reuse, and recycle when it comes to things like cans and bottles they often are unaware of just how much waste their daily meals make. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about Avoiding Food Waste. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.

Key Terms You Should Know

Sustainability:

We can meet our needs without wasting resources for others or for the future.

Dumping:

Market conditions off the farm can lead farmers to throw out edible food.

Ugly Food:

Stores and people often avoid edible food because it is visually not as attractive.

Compost:

Organic material can be added to soil instead of landfills to help plants grow.

Zero-Waste:

We can conserve with reasonable production, consumption, reuse, and recovery.

Moments In History

1809 - The canning process was first invented by Frenchman Nicolas Appert.

1930 - In 10 years, the percept of families that owned a refrigerator . . .

1982 - City Harvest was founded & helped start the food rescue movement in NYC.

1940 - . . . jumped from only 8% to nearly 50%.

1917 - The U.S. Food Administration was created in response to conditions depicted in The Jungle.

1946 - Tupperware was first introduced.

Statistics

According to the National Coffee Association, on average American adults drink 3 cups of coffee per day. A search of the internet shows numerous ways that even coffee grounds can be put to good use!

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, "10.5% (13.8 million) of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2020."

Each year, the American consumer spends about $1,300 on food that they don't eat, according to researcher Zach Conrad in William & Mary College's Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences.

According to WWF and Tesco, of all the food grown, approximately 40% goes uneaten.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration estimates that "confusion over date labeling [on food] accounts for approximately 20% of consumer food waste."

Values

Take leftovers home. Repurpose leftovers.

Whether at home or a restaurant, take only what you will eat.

Share plates. Eat family style meals.

Help food banks and other services reroute would-be food waste.

Have awareness of food waste at each step of the supply chain.

Notable Names

Jonathan Levy

"Zero Waste Guy"

Massimo Bottura

Farmers

Abhi Ramesh

Michael Pollan

Symbols

Our Events

Past

Future

Further Resources

Avoiding Food Waste Infographic

Share what you have learned about Avoiding Food Waste. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (Not for commercial use.)

Know-It-All Event Video

Our speaker event was insightful and fun! The interesting anecdotes from Jenny Rustemeyer, Producer and Actor of the film, were invaluable and truly entertaining. Watch the video to further understand the need to avoid food waste and embrace a food recovery lifestyle. You can also make an event out of it yourself by hosting your own Know-It-All Watch: Avoiding Food Waste Party party. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)

Popcorn & Chat Event Video

Our film event was insightful and fun! After watching Just Eat It. together, we discussed the film and what we learned about avoiding food waste and embracing a food recovery lifestyle. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)

Celebrate & Create Event Video

Our crafting event for kids was lots of fun! Use your own materials to participate in our craft project. Watch the video to learn how to make your own Earth Day decorative box! You can also make an event out of it by hosting your own Celebrate & Create: Avoiding Food Waste crafting party. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)