Registered dietitians at Hannaford Supermarkets are sharing tips and strategies for reducing food waste at home during Earth Month and National Food Waste Prevention Week, which began April 1.
About one-third of all food in the U.S. goes uneaten, with about 96 percent of food waste ending up in landfills, combustion facilities or sink drains, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
“Reducing food waste plays a powerful role in preserving the long-term health and sustainability of our communities,” said Mary LaVanway, registered dietitian at Hannaford.
“Earth Month is the perfect time to explore easy ways to reduce food waste in home kitchens, and we’re excited to share strategies with customers looking to make healthier choices for themselves and the environment.”
Hannaford dietitians developed the following tips and guidance for preventing food waste at home:
- Plan realistic weekly meals and shopping lists, buying only the ingredients those meals require.
- Think about how to reinvent leftover dishes into creations that taste and feel fresh.
- Understand the best ways to store perishable items to maximize shelf life and flavor.
- Incorporate forgotten items and ingredients that may be tucked away in a pantry or cupboard.
- Know the difference between expiration, best-by, use-by and sell-by dates to help plan meals and maximize freshness.
- Take advantage of grab-and-go options such as pre-cut fruits and veggies or individually packaged snacks that increase convenience and help portion meals.
- Find a second life for past prime fruits and veggies in soups, stews or baked goods.
Hannaford shoppers have access to a team of some 30 dietitians in more than 50 stores, as well as online. They provide free nutrition education, help shoppers identify meal ideas and teach them about shopping strategies for eating healthy on a budget or for specific dietary needs, such as heart disease or diabetes. The program celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022.
Since 2021, Hannaford stores have diverted or donated all food at risk of going to waste, sending no food to landfills. Hannaford was the first large-scale supermarket retailer in New England and New York to mark this achievement at every store. In 2023, Hannaford donated 26 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations.
About Hannaford Supermarkets
Hannaford Supermarkets operates 187 stores in the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Stores are located in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The grocer has about 30,000 employees and is based in Scarborough, Maine.
Read more sustainability news from The Shelby Report.
