Food Waste Prevention

Create a plan and stick to it! The following apps and planners can help save money and prevent unnecessary food waste.

Maximize the freshness of items in your fridge, freezer and pantry with these storage guides.

Food product dates and labels are not only confusing, but not federally regulated*. Manufacturers provide date labels to help consumers make decisions about a food's quality (not safety). Unfortunately, this has led to an estimated 30% of the food supply being lost or wasted.

Best Before/Best By: The expected date for the best flavor/quality. It is not a safety date.

Sell By: The date for stores to display a product for sale. It is not a safety date.

Use By: The last date recommended for an item's 'peak' quality. It is not a safety date.

When it comes to safety, use your eyes and nose. Your senses are a great way to detect if food is still safe for consumption.

*Exception for infant formula.

Since the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act of 1996, anyone who makes 'good faith' donations of food is exempt from any liability that may arise. This Act includes donations by school food authorities, higher education institutions, farms, restaurants and all food service companies. 

Take advantage of the many local food donation opportunities below. 

Recovery of surplus food is a necessary step to reduce overall food waste. Many organizations are creating innovative ways to connect kitchens, restaurants, caterers and other food providers with the local community. 

Food is the single largest material type to be landfilled, making it a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Once food is no longer fit for consumption, composting is the next best solution to keep food out of landfills.

Residents in our Feed The Green Bin program receive weekly curbside food scrap collection. Backyard compost bins are also available for County residents at no charge.