Stop Wasting Food – Use It, Don’t Lose It!

Food waste is a huge problem in this country.

Americans throw away something like 40% of the food they buy. Not only does this waste money – approximately $165 billion a year – it also represents a serious dilemma. When so many people in this country and around the world are food insecure, throwing away perfectly good food is just plain wrong.

So what can you do to reduce your food waste?

Well, as we mentioned in an earlier post on sustainable nutrition, when it comes to perishable items, try to buy what you need and resist the urge to “stock up” simply because something is on sale.

This is especially true for dairy products, which can have a shorter shelf life. So before you pour out that milk or throw away that cottage cheese because sell-by dates are approaching, we suggest that you get creative…

Tips for Reducing Food Waste

• Why not try some simple, tasty recipes featuring dairy products that will delight your whole family?
  • Speaking of cottage cheese, why not try this delicious recipe for Meat Stuffed Manicotti?
  • If you’ve got some milk that’s nearing the end of its shelf life, put it to good (and delicious!) use with this creamy Baked Potato Soup.
  • Have some sour cream that’s about to go more than sour? Check out this zesty Mexican Salad!
  • For a cheesy breakfast treat that also incorporates sour cream, try this savory Hash Brown Casserole.
  • Have some vanilla ice cream at the back of the freezer that’s nearing the frost stage? This delicious, protein-packed Peanut Butter Banana Shake will satisfy your whole family.
• Check out this Hiland Home post on freezing milk to preserve it.
• If you don’t think your family will be able to finish a particular food item or ingredient before it expires, why not consider making treats for your neighbors! You could even make treats for school or scouting activities to show your appreciation for the hard work everyone is putting in.
• Another way to reduce waste is to plan on going grocery shopping a few times a week and putting together “make-ahead” meals that can be prepared simply and quickly when needed. This not only reduces “Mom, what’s for dinner?” anxiety, it can also prevent you from losing track of what’s in your fridge and accidentally over-buying when you do your big weekend shopping trip.

Want more recipes?

For many more dairy recipes, check out the recipe section at HilandDairy.com. It’s full of simple and delicious ideas to get the most out of your dairy products. And for more recipes, lifehacks and tips, check out our other articles here on The Hiland Home.

Help alleviate food insecurity.

As we mentioned earlier, there are many people in this country who are food insecure. One simple way to help them get the nutrients they need is to donate to The Great American Milk Drive, which helps deliver milk to needy families in your community. Whether it’s $5 or $100 or more, any amount helps. Packing 9 essential nutrients into every serving, milk is one of the most important sources of nourishment for the human body. To help families in your community get access to this vital food, donate today!