Reducing Food Waste a Real Priority Today

Marcy Kirshenbaum

You can help reduce this waste by freezing food to avoid spoilage.

Thirty to forty percent of the food in the United States goes to waste according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. In fact, food is the largest class of waste that ends up in American landfills. You can help reduce this waste by freezing food to avoid spoilage. Frozen foods can be used for future full meals, side dishes or snacks.

Meats are one of the most common foods frozen, however, freezing is also a great option for many other types of food:

1. Fresh Herbs

Whether you grow herbs in your garden or buy them at a farmers market or grocery store, they spoil quickly. To avoid waste, remove the leaves and freeze them in a container. Another option is to chop and mix them with olive oil and freeze them in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop them out and store them in a container. They can be easily added to enhance sauces, meats or pasta.

2. Cheese

Shredded and block cheese can be frozen before it gets moldy. Block cheese lasts longer in the refrigerator, but if you prefer shredded cheese, buy it in a block and shred it yourself to save the additional cost.

3. Vegetables and fruit

Fresh or cooked, vegetables and fruit freeze well. Wash before freezing and let dry to avoid produce sticking together. Another option is to freeze individual pieces on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, place into a covered container.

4. Garlic

Before the garlic begins to sprout or soften, separate and peel the cloves. The cloves can be frozen whole or minced. If minced, freeze them in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop them out and store in a covered container.

5. Cooked rice

Save yourself time by cooking extra rice and freezing what you don’t eat for another meal. When ready to use, add the rice to a pot with a little water, and heat.

With so many people going hungry today, reducing food waste should be a priority for everyone. If you are interested in helping ease food insecurity, or you do not have enough food for yourself or your family go to www.hungerresourcenetwork.org for more information or to make a donation.

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