Donate/Volunteer

One Plate at a Time

Every day many of us take advantage of the ability to open our fridge and not only have food, but have options. In America alone, approximately 1 in 6 people face hunger each year, and in 2015, there were 42.2 million people living in food insecure households. We are living in one of the richest countries in the world, yet our people are starving. But most people think that there is nothing they can do about it, and that is far from the truth. 30%-40% of our food supply is wasted per year due to these six scenarios;

1. Cooking & buying more than we need.
2. Allowing our eyes to make our plates instead of our stomachs. Overserving causes waste that could have potentially added up to another meal.
3. Throwing away things we do not want or like even if it is still edible. Instead donate it.
4. Going to the grocery store hungry, and not shopping realistically. This causes us to purchase more than we need, which in turn ends up expiring before it is used.
5. Throwing away leftovers
6. Incorrectly storing food, minimizing the shelf life.

Another important thing to remember is that there are thousands of places across the country that fight against the war on hunger. With just a little effort, you can easily find a location near you where you can not only donate food, but volunteer your time to feed others in need.  Click the link below to find out how you can help fight hunger.

So now that you have a better idea of what not to do, all you have to do... is do the opposite! Simple enough right? Sometimes lists can be overwhelming, so try introducing one or two things into your life at a time. Make it a habit, and then add another. You will be a saving the world in no time, one plate at a time!

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Sources:

• "11 Practical Ways You Can Reduce Food Waste and Save Money." Mashable.com. 2005-2016.  Read full article
• "Hunger & Poverty Facts & Statistics." Feeding America.com. 2016.   Learn more
• "Food Waste. The Facts." 2015.   Learn More