Right now, there are things you can do at home to ensure valuable food isn’t going to waste and that those who are going hungry get more of the healthy food they need. Here are five ways you can make a change in the nation’s food crisis.
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1. Be a food-waste warrior. Sign Food Shift’s “Pledge to Reduce Food Waste” at FoodShift.net, and then implement some of the suggested strategies, such as properly storing produce to avoid spoilage, eating older food and leftovers first, and sharing food with friends. “Each time food is wasted, all the resources that went into producing, processing, packaging and transporting that food are wasted, too,” says Dana Frasz, founder of Food Shift. The website’s “Reduce Your Waste” page offers even more detailed guidance for reducing waste; taking small steps in your own home also leads to lower grocery bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Advertisement |
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2. Donate what you can. FeedingAmerica.org is a large network of food banks, food pantries and meal programs around the country. The site has a tool that lets you plug in your ZIP code to find organizations in your area that need donations of food and funds. |
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3. Volunteer your time. Food-relief organizations need your help, and not just during the holidays. Just a few hours spent sorting and packing food donations can help immensely; many of these organizations also need volunteer drivers, educators and office help. Sign up with a big group of family and friends for an even bigger impact. |
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4. Harness your consumer power. Sign up for an app like Mogl, which offers cash-back rewards when you dine at participating restaurants; the funds you earn can then be donated to a food bank or other food-relief organization of your choice. Also, while patronizing your favorite local restaurants and food retailers, ask if they participate in programs to donate their excess still-edible food rather than throw it away. Business owners were once leery of donating food for fear of liability if it harmed anyone, but the 1996 Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects good-faith food donors. (If they’re still worried about it, direct them to gpo.gov, which has a link to the full wording of the legislation.) |
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5. Make your voice heard. FeedingAmerica.org also has an advocacy page with tips on what to write or say to your elected officials about why they should support legislation and policies. There’s even a form letter already prepared that you can personalize and send with just a few clicks. After you contact the policymakers, share your experience on social media to encourage friends and family to do the same. |
