Using Food Wisely: Farm to Table

Half of all Food Waste in Canada occurs in Our Homes. 

This is a major issue as we are globally concerned with how we are going to produce enough food to serve the growing population. The first step may be to ensure the food we already produce actually ends up being consumed! Currently, there are vast amounts of food being thrown out and ending up in landfill sights where it produces greenhouse gases.

First of all. . . I would like to note that fruit and vegetables don't always grow into perfectly shaped specimens. Produce that is 'ugly' get tossed away long before they would ever reach the grocery store shelving. Local farms are more likely to sell fruits and vegetables of all shapes and sizes.
Buy food for nutrient value and taste, not looks! 

Now. . .    
          
         How do I Lessen the Impact of Food Waste in my Home?

I go grocery shopping a few times a week and make sure to check my fridge before heading to the store. This way I know exactly what is in my fridge, and I generally have an idea of what I will cook for dinner those next few nights. There are many days where I will look in my fridge and see that I have leftovers, and small quantities of vegetables left over from packing lunches. With this, I make a variety of soups, chili, or stews. If I don’t eat them that night, they are great to freeze to have on hand for a busy night.  I find that some fruits spoil quickly, so I wash them in a solution of water and vinegar to keep them fresher longer. Any food that does spoil goes into the compost bin where it can be converted into biofuel.

Another option would be to purchase food from companies such as Chefs Plate. As a consumer, you choose form a variety of dinner recipes online. The exact quantity of produce, protein, spices ect. are shipped to your door (in environmentally friendly packaging). This is especially great for busy couples who don't have time to grocery shop multiple times per week. 

During the summer months, I have a vegetable garden with heirloom and cherry tomatoes, lots of kale (for my bunny), and acorn squash. I often yield a larger quantity of tomatoes than I require for my own consumption. I often bring a basket to my gym where friends each take a couple home with them. Otherwise, I will make a batch of pasta sauce to freeze for the fall months. 

Growing up in the country, my family has a few family friends who raise cattle and chickens. We purchase larger quantities of beef and chicken that we place in the deep freezer.

Purchasing local proteins helps to keep our friend’s farms in business. These farms are more environmentally stable and friendly towards the environment than a large scale farming operation. During certain months, my family will also take a trip to Collingwood to go apple picking. My grandparents, and generations prior have kept this tradition going. 

I have a greater appreciation for the food that is grown by a farmer I consider a friend. In terms of food waste, I am more likely to make sure I use the food wisely.

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