Reduce Food Waste

Wasted food accounts for 25% of the trash we throw away. Follow these tips to keep good food from going to waste.
Page updated on September 13, 2023 at 2:11 PM
Translate icon

Reduce Food Waste

Reduce Food Waste Food For Good Logo

When food is wasted, it also wastes the resources. We’re not just creating a problem, we’re also missing an opportunity to save businesses and residents money: Waste Less and Spend Less – You can spend less and waste less by buying only the food you will use. Preventing wasted food can also reduce energy and labor costs associated with throwing away good food. 

 

Food Waste Reduction Tips

Meal Plan Picture

SMART SHOPPING

Buy only what you need and shop your kitchen first. Thank about how many meals you'll eat at home this week and how long before your next shopping trip.

Food meal prep picture

SMART PREP

Prepare perishable foods soon after shopping. It will be easier to whip up meals later in the week, saving time, effort, and money. 

Smart storage food picture

SMART STORAGE

Know which fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer inside or outside the fridge. By storing them for maximum freshness, they will taste better and last longer. 

Smart savings food picture

SMART SAVINGS

Eat what you buy. Be mindful of leftovers and old ingredients. Households are encouraged to designate an area in the refrigerator for food that should be eaten relatively soon to prevent spoiling, and posting the prompt as a visual reminder. 

Helpful Food Waste Reduction Links & Tools

Save the food guest-imator

Guest-imator Tool

Try this Save the Food dinner party calculator that estimates how much food you need to keep your guests happy and healthy. Just tell it who's coming to dinner and find out exactly how much to make.

SavetheFood Food Storage Guide

Interactive Food Storage Guide

Save the Food's interactive storage guide provides tips, tricks, and information to keep your food fresh and tasty for as long as possible. 

Food Waste Reduction Workshop

Food Waste Reduction Workshop Video

Watch this virtual video workshop where City staff explains the importance of reducing food waste and offer techniques and alternatives to throwing out this regenerative resource.

Cooking Stock Soup

Recipes

Check out these recipes from Save the Food for everything from overripe avocados to cheese rinds.

Meal Prep tool

Meal Prep Mate

Visit Save the Food's Meal Prep Mate tool to help make a shopping list, portion meals, and maximize what's in your fridge to help reduce food waste.

ALIVE! Donate Food

Donate Food

Donate excess food to the ALIVE! Food Hubs which offers free food to residents of the City of Alexandria, regardless of age, citizenship status, background, or income.