Reducing Food Loss and Food Waste 

According to the USDA, In the United States, over one-third of all available food goes uneaten through loss or waste. When food is tossed aside, so are opportunities for improved food security, economic growth, and environmental prosperity.The USDA has developed a great web resource for farmers, consumers, businesses, and schools, to reduce the amount of food waste in our country. The links below also provide more information about food loss and waste.

• Food Waste Handout
• Reducing Food Waste | Guide
• Easy Steps to Prevent Food Waste

Meal Planning

Meal planning has many benefits. It can greatly reduce food loss and waste, save time and money, and decrease the risk of brain malfunctions due to kids asking "what's for dinner?" for the 176th time. I'm kidding on that last one, but seriously - if it's saving you time and money, it's also lowering your stress levels.

• Meal Planning 101
• Meal Prep Tips for Beginners
• Meal Prep for the Work Week
• Grocery Game Plan | Weekly Calendar (from MyPlate)
• Grocery Game Plan | Grocery List (from MyPlate)
• Sample Meal Plan and Grocery List

If you're stuck on what to fix for the week or just want to change things up a bit, check out sites like Pinterest, Easy Family Recipes, and Taste of Home. Google is a great resource as well. Simply typing in "meal planning ideas" brings up completed calendars with menus, all sorts of recipes, videos, and dietary-specific options.