By Being in the Know, You Can Reduce Food Waste

Reducing food waste is a critical part of our mission and work at Table to Table. By rescuing fresh, nutritious food that would otherwise go to a landfill, we are able to not only feed food insecure neighbors but also help the environment. So, reducing food waste in your own home should be a cinch, shouldn’t it? Well, not really.

One of the largest contributors of food waste is food that is thrown out due to a misunderstanding of food date code labels. Read on to learn more about what they really mean…or don’t mean.

Take the First Step Towards Being Earth-Friendly

So, what does this mean? You don’t need to throw away your food just because the date on the label has passed. Keep this chart handy on your fridge, get creative with recipes to use up leftovers, and stick to a grocery list that reflects your menu for the week.

How Table to Table I-Rescue Helps

Forty percent of the United States’ food goes uneaten—that’s more than 220 pounds per person! By rescuing the excess food, we can provide countless meals for hungry children and families while preserving our environment. After all, the uneaten food ends up rotting in landfills, accounting for 16% of U.S. methane emissions.

Table to Table has a solution. Table to Table I-Rescue is a volunteer-based app that allows volunteers to help rescue and deliver fresh food to our neighbors facing food insecurity.

Watch a how-to claim a food rescue video.

Other Helpful Tips

Don’t underestimate the power of your own senses! Spoilage bacteria will often produce a change in odor, flavor, or texture. Also, you can protect yourself from bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses, like E. coli, by preparing foods to USDA-recommended temperatures. The FoodKeeper App, created by the USDA, is an easy and convenient way to find all the answers. Keep in mind that the only product with a firm use-by date is infant formula. You can also read more about food safety, handling, and preparation by clicking here.