Food Too Good to Waste Challenge

POTLUCK CANCELED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING!

Sorry for the bad news, but the Food too Good to Waste Challenge celebration potluck for Tuesday, August 22 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Phalen Park Picnic Pavilion (1600 Phalen Dr) has been canceled due to the heat.

Hello and Welcome to the First Week of the Food Waste Challenge

Week 1 you will begin weighing your food waste, become familiar with this site, and meet other participants.

Watch video: Welcome to the Challenge

Take some time to get acquainted with the website.

To report your food waste, create a password for this site. You will be asked to sign-in to complete the weigh-in survey.

• Weekly Activities: Each Monday & Wednesday, we will post content, tips, and what's happening.
• Group Discussion: Each Monday, we'll post a new question to get the conversation going. Week 1 we're asking you to introduce yourself to the group. Can't wait to meet you!
• Post a Photo!: Visit this section to share ideas about what is working for you (or not working). Post a picture of your set-up, write a tip on how you organize your fridge, ask for advice, etc.
• Weekly Survey: Report how much food was wasted in at your home each week. Hopefully we see the numbers drop as we go!

Discussion Question: Introduce yourself! Why did you sign up for the challenge?

This week, challenge yourself to complete 2 of these 5 actions.

• Read The Impact of Food Waste-- Learn basic facts and figures about the impact of food waste on the US and Minnesotans.
• Watch I Value Food (2-minute Video)-- Learn key points on the impact that food waste has on our lives and environment.
• Take the Food Waste Quiz-- Get a sense of your current food waste load and check out the I Value Food! website for new ideas.
• Invite a friend to join! We still have spots available, so if you know someone who also wants to help save the food-- invite them!
• Show us your weigh station-- Post a picture of the setup you are using to weigh your food waste and check out other photos to get ideas.

Remember to Record Your Food Scraps at the end of the week. They are due by Monday night!

Smart Shopping: Shop the Kitchen First

Did you know that your shopping habits influence how much food waste we produce?

Try this Tool: Shopping List

A shopping list is a great way to help prevent food waste. Before making your list, check the fridge and cupboards first, then make a meal plan based off what needs to be used up. There is a shopping list in your Action Kit, as well as an online version to try!

Food Spotlight: Bananas

We love to eat them, yet we often waste them. Take a look and check out these ways to use overripe bananas and banana peels.

Discussion Question (click link): How did tracking your food waste affect the decisions you made about food last week?

This week, challenge yourself to complete 2 of these 4 actions.

• Try one of the apps listed on the Shopping List.
• Try one of the new ideas you learned for Using Bananas.
• Watch Six Tips for Smart Grocery Shopping (4-minute video)-- Reduce food waste when grocery shopping.
• Watch Saint Paul Recycling Presentation (10-minute presentation)-- Go beyond food waste, by reducing packaging waste.

Join the discussion (click link): How did tracking your food waste affect the decisions you made about food last week?

Remember to Record your Food Scraps (link) at the end of the week. They are due by Monday night!

Smart Disposal: Choose to compost!

Learn something new: What is compost and why does it matter?

While most of this challenge is focused on preventing food waste, we know it's not possible to get rid of waste completely. Composting is a simple alternative. By combining food scraps + yard waste + oxygen (air), you end up with a material that can be used to improve soil health and support plant growth! Check out the resources below to learn how you can participate.

Learn something new: How do you compost?

Composting is as simple or involved as you want to make it! The two main ways to compost are:

• Backyard Composting (link)
  • Backyard Composting is a hands-on way to create compost in your own yard. Whether this is your first time trying or you're a composting pro, this guide from the University of Minnesota Extension is a very helpful resource.
  • Alternatively, Worm Composting (link), AKA Vermicomposting, is a style of composting that can be done inside using very little space. Use this guide to find out how to get started! There are also plenty of videos online you can check out.
• Compost Drop-off (link)
  • The City of Saint Paul has 8 locations where you can drop off your food scraps for free. Collect them on your kitchen counter and drop them off whenever you're ready. Locations and hours are on the Ramsey County website: RamseyRecycles.com/FoodScraps.

Whether you decide to compost in your backyard or to take your food scraps to a free drop-off site, both are great ways to reduce waste!

Discussion Question (click link): Do you compost? If so, what has been your biggest challenge and how have you addressed it?

This week, challenge yourself to complete 2 of these 5 actions.

• Share a picture of your compost-- Head over and share a post with other participants, whether it's in your backyard or a bucket on your counter, we want to see how you compost!
• Attend one of the Backyard Composting 101 Workshops in-person or virtually. If you haven't signed up already, email clare.pillsbury@ci.stpaul.mn.us
  • Watch the recording of the Backyard Composting 101 Workshop (40-minute video) from Saturday, July 22.
• For those of you backyard composters, check out the following helpful resources for getting the most out of your backyard compost and troubleshooting issues:
  • Bin types: 6 Popular Composting Options | Green America
  • Common Composting Pitfalls: Common Composting Problems | Washington County
  • Using your compost: How to Use Compost | NY Botanical Garden
• Drop off your food scraps at one of the free Ramsey County sites.
• Learn how to vermicompost: How to build a worm composter (1-minute video)

Join the discussion (click link): Do you compost? If so, what has been your biggest challenge and how have you addressed it?

Remember to Record your Food Scraps (link) at the end of the week. They are due by Monday night!

Congratulations! You’ve made it halfway through the challenge! We hope at this point you’ve become more aware of your own food waste and have tried some of the tips and tools provided.

Thank you to the 97 households who have signed up and committed to taking this challenge. So far, we have all reduced our food waste by 5.1% percent. Way to go! Let's keep it up!

Smart Storage: Getting the most from your food

Learn something new: Storage Cheat Sheet (link)

Fresh fruit and vegetables make up the largest percentage of household food waste by weight. Check out the storage cheat sheet for ways to keep them fresh longer.

Try this tool: Keep Food Fresh Tips (link)

The way you organize your refrigerator and freezer can also impact how long food will last. Look at the document we made for some tips to maximize space, reduce space, and decipher those confusing expirations dates.

Food spotlight: Ways to save Bread (link)

Americans buy roughly 3 million loaves of bread every year, 25% of which end up in the garbage. Learn storage tips and recipes to use up the stale bread and end pieces with this infographic.

Discussion Question (click link): What tips, tools, and tricks do you use to help foods stay fresh longer?

This week, challenge yourself to complete 2 of these 4 actions

• Share your fridge set-up (link)-- Post a photo of the way you keep your fridge organized (or a picture of the disorganization... maybe someone will have tips to share!!)
• Watch Impacts of Food Waste (7-minute video)-- Why does food waste matter and what do expiration dates mean.
• Watch How to Understand Food Expiration Dates (3-minute video)-- Learn why more than 90% of Americans waste edible food because of confusing expirations dates and don't let yourself be fooled again.
• Try one of the tips from the Keep Food Fresh Tips (link)

Join the discussion (click link): What tips, tools, and tricks do you use to help foods stay fresh longer?

Remember to Report your Food Scraps (link) at the end of the week. They are due by Monday night!