THIS TOOLKIT IS PROVIDED BY RECYCLE, MICHIGAN—AN EDUCATION AND OUTREACH INITIATIVE OF THE MICHIGAN RECYCLING COALITION
FOOD WASTE REDUCTION EDUCATOIN TIPS
Reducing food waste takes a bit of planning and can make a significant impact.
Check out the following food waste reduction education tips and resources:
Food Donation
Food Donation
Get to know food pantries or charity organizations that accept donated food. Share apps or local programs connect food donations with unused food partners.
Waste Prevention
Waste Prevention
Cooking classes or schools can provide food waste prevention tips. Schools can provide "share tables" for excess food.
Collection Programs
Waste Diversion
Small-scale food scrap collection programs for businesses and residents can provide another option for diverting food waste. Traverse City is an excellent example of this.
Partner with organizations and businesses that generate surplus food, such as:
Keep an eye on needs and assist partners with additional resources:
Assess current food waste reduction practices - both source reduction and recovery/diversion
Is there a way to improve tracking of food waste with these partners?
Are there opportunities to help with staff training resources to encourage waste prevention?
Outreach Ideas:
Website:
If possible, create a landing page on your website exclusively for food waste reduction. This helps you track the topic's popularity and add resources.
Print:
Create a flyer that provides tips on food waste prevention. Include a QR code to your food waste reduction webpage.
Partnerships:
Partner with local recreation centers, grocery stores, and private businesses that offer cooking classes. Offer to distribute or provide copies of a flyer with tips on how to reduce food waste through these trusted local hubs.
Events:
For events or presentations, create a digital (video or game) or a DIY replica of the inside of a refrigerator and demonstrate helpful waste reduction practices using visual aids that help participants retain information.
Education Topic Ideas:
Smart Shopping Lists
Fresh Food Practices
Reinventing Leftovers
Understand "Sell By" vs. "Use By"
Food Pantries & Donation
Using Food That's Past its Prime
Resources: