10 Life Hacks to Save Surplus Food and Reduce Waste

Reducing food waste starts at home. Here are ten life hacks to help you save surplus food and make the most out of your groceries.

1. Freeze Leftovers

Freezing leftovers is an excellent way to preserve food for future meals. Portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers to avoid waste.

2. Store Produce Properly

Proper storage can extend the life of your fruits and vegetables. Use breathable bags for greens and store apples separately to prevent them from ripening other fruits too quickly.

3. Make Broth with Scraps

Save vegetable scraps and meat bones to make homemade broth. It's a great way to use up parts of food that would otherwise be discarded.

4. Plan Your Meals

Meal planning helps you buy only what you need and reduces the likelihood of food going bad before you use it.

5. Use a FIFO System

Organize your pantry and fridge with a "First In, First Out" system to ensure older items are used before newer ones.

6. Repurpose Stale Bread

Turn stale bread into croutons, breadcrumbs, or bread pudding. These easy recipes give new life to old bread.

7. Embrace Imperfect Produce

Ugly fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as their perfect counterparts. Buy them to reduce waste and save money.

8. Compost Food Scraps

If you have a garden, composting is a great way to recycle food scraps into nutrient-rich soil.

9. Share with Neighbors

Share surplus food with neighbors or use apps like Foodhero to distribute excess food within your community.

10. Get Creative with Recipes

Look for recipes that use up ingredients you have on hand. Websites and apps offer suggestions based on what’s in your pantry.