Thankful and Thoughtful: Cooking with intention to reduce food waste this holiday season

The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and coming together around the table. But it can also bring about an all-too-common issue—food waste. We get excited to cook and bake, creating big meals to share, only for those leftovers to be left uneaten, tucked into the fridge, and eventually thrown away.

We live in a world of abundance, and while there’s something special about preparing more than enough to feed our loved ones, there’s another side to that story. It’s the guilt that sets in when, a few days later, you’re cleaning out the fridge and discarding food that could have been enjoyed.

Food is at the heart of our holiday traditions, but this season, let’s extend that love—not just to our families and friends, but to our planet as well. Reducing food waste is a simple yet powerful way to show gratitude, and there are small changes we can all make to make a big difference. Here are a few tips to help you celebrate more mindfully and reduce waste this holiday season.

Meal Plan

Meal planning is one of the best ways to reduce holiday food waste. Start by checking what you already have in your kitchen and creating a grocery list to stick to. This way, you can prepare the right amount of food and avoid overbuying. Meal planning also helps save money, which is especially useful with rising prices. Be sure to check out the clearance section at your local store; imperfect produce can still taste great!

Adjust Your Menu

Once you've planned your holiday menu, it's crucial to adjust it according to the number of guests you'll have. This ensures you're prepared without cooking too much or too little. It helps prevent food waste, guarantees there's enough for everyone, and saves you from last-minute stress. By aligning your menu with the guest count, you'll be able to better manage portions, reduce waste, and makes clean up time less chaotic.

After the Fact – Refrigerating

When it comes to storing leftovers, make sure they’re wrapped or sealed in airtight containers and placed in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. I prefer using reusable storage containers, especially glass ones, as they allow me to see what’s inside easily. I also keep plastic containers from take-out meals handy for sharing leftovers with guests—everyone loves taking home a little holiday cheer!

Freezing for Bonus Meals

If you won’t be able to enjoy your leftovers in the next few days, consider freezing them! Many dishes taste even better after some time in the freezer. Just remember:

• Foods like meats, grains, cooked sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, and even cookies freeze well.
• Avoid freezing gravies with milk or cream, mayo-based dishes, sour cream, soft cheeses, and salads.

Before freezing, ensure food is completely cooled and remove as much air as possible from containers. If using plastic bags (I recommend reusable ones), lay them flat for easy stacking and quicker thawing. If you have questions about freezing, you can check out the USDA’s website page on Freezing and Food Safety.

Get Creative with Leftovers

As you store your leftovers, jot down what you have and brainstorm ways to use them together. For example:

• Turkey Pot Pie: Combine leftover turkey and vegetables.
• Cranberry Cobbler: Transform cranberry sauce into a delightful dessert.
• Frittata: Use ham, potatoes, and asparagus for a tasty brunch option.

Keep this list on your refrigerator or bulletin board as a handy reference!

Share the Love (and Leftovers)

Buy containers, preferably reusable ones, for packing up extra food and sending it home with family and friends as gifts or leftovers. You can't tell me they won't appreciate it! This not only helps reduce food waste but also spreads the holiday cheer beyond your table. Plus, guests love leaving with a little something extra to enjoy later.

Final Thoughts

The holidays are a perfect opportunity to start reducing food waste. By being mindful, you can save money and help the environment. This season, commit to cutting down on food waste with simple changes that can make a big difference!