Do You Know How Much Food You Waste Each Year? Want to Make a Change? Find Out More.

Americans throw out between 30 and 40 percent of the food that is produced in the country. The result is an economic, social and environmental problem.  Household food waste is a result of overbuying, poor planning, improper storage and confusion about sell by labels and expiration dates.

The Hudson Valley Food Waste Challenge is an interactive, community initiative to raise public awareness about these issues. Participants will learn how to cut down their “foodprint” with easy strategies that will not only reduce what you are tossing in the garbage, but also save money and time. You will get ideas on how to better organize the refrigerator and store food so that it has a maximum shelf life along with safety tips for preparing leftovers and how to substitute ingredients into recipes so you can use what you have on hand.

The challenge will begin September 20th and last for six weeks. The only things needed to participate are small garbage bags, a small kitchen scale and the desire to feel good about making a positive change in your current waste habits. Through short videos, text messages and emails, participants will stay connected with the community, share your experiences and see what others are up to through hashtags, stories and live videos. You will also hear from local chefs, farmers and other food experts on best practices when it comes to shopping, keeping food fresh and creating delicious recipes from what you have in the house. The $25 registration fee provides access to the online community, a toolkit, and resources to help track your success, a very cool t-shirt and the opportunity to win great prizes.

“The Food Waste Challenge is a great activity for the whole family to do together, do in your neighborhood, or get your school involved in,” says Janet Irizarry, Founder of Hudson Valley EATS. “The United States Food Waste Reduction Goal is to reduce food waste by half by 2030, the UN Global initiative is to do it by 2050. As Hudson Valley residents, wouldn’t it be great to do our part to support these efforts as best we can? Each one of us by ourselves may feel there is nothing we can do about climate change, but I promise you, together we can make a difference.”

About Hudson Valley EATS

Hudson Valley EATS was started five years ago to focus attention on the great food entrepreneurs and restaurant owners in the Hudson Valley. Over the years the organization has written many articles and highlighted great food escapades as well as the people who make the food scene of the Hudson Valley so magnificent. Last year Hudson Valley EATS launched “Cooking for a Cause,” which raised thousands of dollars to combat hunger. There are other ways to strengthen the sustainability of the Hudson Valley by connecting the caring people of the community with opportunities to make a difference. The Food Waste Challenge is a way we can all make a difference together. Hudson Valley EATS is a community-based website where all are welcomed to contribute to become part of the conversation of “everything” food in the Hudson Valley, from farm to landfill. More information can be found here https://www.hudsonvalleyeats.com/