With Earth Day coming up later this month, you might be thinking about ways to use resources more thoughtfully and sustainably. Here at EFN, we work every day to ensure that no food goes to waste and instead feeds neighbors in need. Reducing food waste doesn’t just help the environment – it also helps our community!

According to Feeding America, 119 billion pounds of food is wasted each year in the United States. Food waste in our homes makes up 39% of that total, while commercial food waste makes up 61%. Food may go to waste for a variety of reasons, including blemishes, problems in manufacturing or transportation, or simply going uneaten and spoiling. Much of this food is still nutritious, and EFN partners with retailers, manufacturers, farmers, and trucking companies to rescue millions of pounds of food that might otherwise go to waste.

You can be a part of reducing food waste, too! There are lots of resources available to help you on your waste-reduction journey. You can start by checking your fridge, pantry, and freezer before heading to the grocery store to ensure you only buy what you need. Then, use this guide to help you store your food effectively and make sense of food date labels.

Finally, take a look at your pantry and consider donating items that you think might go to waste (but before they expire!). At EFN, we believe that food pantry guests should have access to the same quality and variety as they would at the grocery store, and donations help with this. Use this guide to help you decide which items might be best for donation. Note that EFN cannot receive any opened or repackaged food.

To all of the businesses and community members who have helped EFN prevent food from going to waste and feed neighbors in need, thank you!