Food Sustainability: How to Aid The Hungry in your Community
Let’s face facts. Food waste is a serious problem in America. It is responsible for 8-10% of methane emissions in the US, with methane being the nation’s third largest pollutant. One in six adults are food insecure, and one in five children don’t know when to expect their next meal. And an astonishing 30-40% of all food grown globally ends up in a landfill.
So, why are so many people in our community hungry? Truly, it comes down to us. It is the actions we take with food that can make the difference in someone's life.
Here's how you can help:
Source Reduction
Stopping the problem at its source is one of the best ways to help with food insecurities in our community. Instead of heading straight to the grocery store, try to make a list of things you need. You can also “shop your pantry” when making a list. Check what you have, so you don’t buy too much. If you’re unsure of what to make with leftovers, BigOven has a handy tool for you! You can tell it what you have on hand, and it will find recipes to accommodate your pantry.
Safely Preserving Food
Take your leftover thinking to the next level. Ensure your food lasts its intended lifetime by safely preserving what can be reused. Some good rules of thumb for the fridge include: using the door for items that don’t spoil easily, storing dairy on the middle shelves, and freezing leftovers in shallow containers. Practicing these tips is a great way to make your leftovers last, and save you from buying more than you need (Here's a great resource on food safety from the USDA).
Feeding Hungry People
When the topic of “hunger” arises, most people think of food banks. While donating to food banks is a great option, volunteering is even better. Helping with distribution, sorting, and preparing food for your community is a wonderful way to address hunger. If you have a car and about an hour, check out Last Mile Food Rescue. They're a food waste prevention group in Cincy! They need volunteers to assist with pickup and delivery of excess food from hotels, grocery stores, and cafeterias. However, if you can’t offer your time, food is always accepted! Don’t know where to donate/volunteer? No worries! Here's a list of the best (and most accessible) food banks and pantries in the area.
Alternative Shopping
Food doesn’t have to come from the grocery store. In fact, there are plenty of organizations, markets, and co-ops combating food waste in the community. The Central Ohio River Valley Local Food Guide (CORV) is a yearly guide to everything food. In their 2023 guide, they have resources for local farmers markets, food waste markets, and local compost initiatives. For anything your foodie heart desires, you will find it with CORV.
Composting
If you can’t eat the food you buy, and it is unable to be donated then consider composting. If you aren’t too savvy on the concept of composting, have no fear. We have another blog post with the ins and outs of all things composting!
The fight to end hunger and food waste will not be an easy one, but it can be won with your help! Tell us how you plan to combat food insecurities in your community.