News Summary
Knoxville is taking action against food waste as it kicks off National Food Waste Prevention Week from April 7-13. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is leading initiatives alongside local universities and charities to raise awareness and provide strategies for families to minimize waste and help those in need. Join community-led efforts, including statewide food drives, to make a positive impact this week.
Knoxville Takes Action: Food Waste Prevention Week Kicks Off!
In Knoxville, a major push is underway to tackle food waste during National Food Waste Prevention Week, running from April 7th through April 13th. Did you know that about one-third of the food supply in the United States goes to waste? That’s right! And if you think that food waste only happens on farms or in stores, think again! Research shows that a whopping 35% of this waste originates from our very own households. It’s hard to believe, but the food waste we produce at home surpasses the waste from farms, production facilities, and even restaurants combined!
Join the Effort
This year, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is taking the lead in promoting food waste awareness across the state. They are partnering with the University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University Extension, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and a remarkable food gleaning charity called the Society of St. Andrew. Together, they’re working on important initiatives to help families learn how to cut down on waste and make a difference.
Why Does Food Waste Matter?
Food waste isn’t just about money (although it can cost us up to one-third of our grocery budget!). It’s also a big deal when it comes to hunger in our communities and the health of our environment. When we waste food, we’re not just tossing away meals; we’re losing valuable resources that could have helped those in need. By reducing food waste, everyone benefits, from families saving money to the environment being preserved.
Simple Strategies to Save Food and Money
So how can you get involved? Here are some achievable tips to help you cut back on food waste:
- Plan Your Meals: Take a few moments to schedule your meals for the week. Before you hit the grocery store, be sure to check what you already have stashed in your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator.
- Create a Shopping List: Based on your meal plans, make a list of what you actually need. Sticking to this list can help you avoid buying things that might just end up in the trash.
- Store Food Properly: After grocery shopping, try to refrigerate or freeze perishables right away – ideally within two hours of buying or preparing them. It’s super important to keep foods fresh!
- Know Your Produce: Treat your fruits and vegetables well by storing them correctly. This simple act can help them last much longer.
- Understand Food Labels: Confused about expiration dates? Many date labels just indicate quality and not safety (except for infant formulas), so don’t toss that food just yet!
- Make Use of Leftovers: Instead of throwing out scraps, consider composting them or donating unused food to local food banks or pantries.
Food Drives Across the State
To encourage community involvement, special food drives are happening at 45 UT/TSU Extension offices across the state from March 31st to April 13th. This is a perfect opportunity for everyone to contribute and donate any excess food they may have. It’s a win-win! Not only can you declutter your kitchen, but you can also provide meals for those in need.
Get Involved!
For more information on events and food drive locations, simply visit Get Smart Tennessee and be part of this essential cause. Together, we can significantly reduce food waste, help those in need, and make our communities a better place!
So, as we gear up for National Food Waste Prevention Week, let’s all take some easy steps toward a more sustainable future, one meal at a time!
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