GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — During the holiday seasons many of us find ourselves cooking more as we prepare to gather with friends and family. Unfortunately, what isn’t eaten is often thrown away and that waste is expensive!
According to a study published in Wiley Online Library, 1/3 of all food purchased is thrown away. Researchers found a family of 4 typically wastes about $1,500 annually.
As you gather groceries this year, there are things you can do to reduce your waste and save money.
Emily Hollingsworth is a retail food manager with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. She says reducing waste is a great first step,
“So you don't have to take out the entire casserole or you don't have to take out the entire serving of spinach artichoke dip.” Instead, Hollingsworth suggests pacing yourself, “Take a small bit out and then come back in a couple of hours and replenish that with a fresh bowl.”
Hollingsworth says using smaller portions also reduces the chance bacteria will grow which can lead to food poisoning.
“And they multiply rapidly. And so, if we start with just a little bit, just a tiny little bit, the longer that it's in that danger zone, the more bacteria has a chance to grow. A general rule of thumb is put the food away in the refrigerator around the 2-hour mark to ensure it’s still safe to eat.”
As for leftovers, she says you can typically keep them in the refrigerator up to 72 hours, but Hollingsworth adds, “if it was on a buffet where people were grabbing in and out, utensils were in and out, I might even go for next day, day and a half, call it good.”
The USDA says the average family of 5 spends between $922 and $1482 a month on food. To reduce waste, it’s recommended consumers use a shopping list and stick to it, buy in bulk, meal plan and freeze leftovers to be used later instead of throwing them away.
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