Refuse and recycling carts at the curb
Streets & Urban Forestry

Use & Storage

According to the USDA, 30 to 40% of of all food in the United States is wasted. The USDA estimates that this works out to 133 billion pounds of food wasted - and think of all the resources and time lost, too.

This is a big problem that has a simple solution.

By using the food you buy (or grow) and storing it correctly to keep it fresh and safe longer.

Recipes

There are hundreds of recipe websites and cookbooks, and many focus on food waste reduction. Use your search engine, or visit your local bookstore, and you can find the right recipe guides for your tastes, dietary needs, and cooking skills.

Our "Create" page has additional resources about using leftovers and less-than-perfect groceries, too. you can cut down on wasting food.

Food Storage

The Interactive Storage Guide (Natural Resource Defense Council)

  • Learn all the ways to keep your food fresh and safe for as long as possible.

FoodKeeper (USDA)

  • A website and app for food and beverage storage developed by the USDA and Cornell University

Storage Tips (EPA)

  • A simple list of helpful tips

Food Safety Charts (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

  • Charts from FoodSafety.gov about cooking temperatures and storage guidelines

Save the Food on Alexa Devices

  • Enable the "Save the Food" skill on your Alexa device. Say, "Alexa, open Save the Food" and then ask your food storage questions."
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Food Scraps