Five Steps to Fuel for the Future

 Written By: Emma Hubbard; SLU Dietetic Intern

National Nutrition Month is here! This year’s theme is Fuel for the Future, and there’s no better way to fuel for the future than eating with the environment in mind.

What is Food Waste?

Food waste is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as “the amount of food, postharvest, that is available for human consumption but is not consumed for any reason.” Food waste can occur at every stage of production, including during processing, transportation, and consumption (USDA, n.d.).

Food Waste and the Environment

A recent report by Feeding America estimates 408 billion dollars worth of food is thrown away each year (Feeding America, 2022). A whopping 24% of all food in the United States is estimated to end up in landfills (ReFED, 2022). This food waste then contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and use of natural resources, like land, for disposal sites.

So what can you do? Follow these 5 steps to help decrease your environmental impact while giving your body the fuel it needs:

Go meatless

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), meat contributes to over 20% of the carbon footprint of total food waste (FAO, 2023). Swapping out your meat for a plant-based alternative a few days a week can help reduce your carbon footprint. And, increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet gives you more fiber, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs to stay healthy. Switch your meat for plant-based protein sources like tofu, black beans, lentils, edamame, and chickpeas. For more ideas and recipes on plant-based eating, check out the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website. 

Plan your meals

How many times have you had to throw away a sad head of lettuce or those molding berries forgotten in the back of your fridge? Planning meals reduces food waste by making sure you use the food you buy before it goes bad. Making a shopping list is key! Start by checking what you have on hand, and plan your grocery list to fill in any gaps. Always consider how you can use leftovers so they don’t get thrown away. Most meals can be turned into a delicious bowl or wrap the next day!

Buy local

Purchasing locally grown, in-season produce is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Foods grown locally require fewer resources to transport. Plus, buying in-season can save you a few dollars. You can find out what’s in season in Missouri using this harvest calendar. Take a trip to your local farmer’s market, and look for locally produced items at the grocery store.

Start your own garden

You don’t need a huge backyard to grow your own food. Starting small with plants that can easily be grown in containers like tomatoes, beans, and herbs will build your gardening confidence. Knowing how food is grown and where it comes from can help you appreciate the food supply, and might change how you think about using and disposing of food. Plus, gardening is a great way to get outside and be physically active!

Be mindful

The highest carbon footprint of food waste (37% of the total) occurs at the consumption phase of the supply chain (that’s you!) (FAO, 2023). Being aware of the food waste you generate is the most important step you can take to make a change. Think about portion sizes and expiration dates when preparing meals to avoid extra food going to waste.

With these five steps, you’re ready to sustainably fuel for the future. Use #NationalNutritionMonth on social media to share how you’ll eat sustainably this month and beyond!

For more information on National Nutrition Month and eating right for the environment, visit https://www.eatright.org/national-nutrition-month-2023 

References:

Feeding America. (2022). How We Fight Food Waste in the US. Feeding America. https://www.feedingamerica.org/our-work/reduce-food-waste

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2023). Sustainability Pathways. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://www.fao.org/nr/sustainability/food-loss-and-waste ReFED. (2022). Food Waste. ReFED. https://refed.org/food-waste/the-problem/#what_is_food_waste

United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Food Waste FAQs. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.usda.gov/foodwaste/faqs