Thanksgiving Food Waste: 320 Million Pounds!

Thanksgiving traditions, while cherished, often lead to substantial food waste. This year, an estimated 320 million pounds of food are expected to be discarded across the U.S., largely because of excessive preparation and uneaten leftovers. This significant loss is comparable to several meals for every food-insecure individual in the nation, and it carries environmental consequences as food in landfills releases potent methane gas.

To combat this issue, experts advocate for smarter planning. Recommendations include precise portioning, such as a quarter-pound of turkey and half a cup of sides per person, and factoring in bone weight when purchasing a whole bird. Additionally, choosing produce close to its expiration or those with cosmetic imperfections can prevent them from being discarded by retailers.