Did you know that the average family of four spends $1,600 each year on food that ends up uneaten or that one-third of the food produced in the United States is never eaten?

Did you know that about 20% of the food purchased at the grocery store is never eaten? That’s like buying 5 bags of food at the store and immediately dropping one in the garbage before heading home.

With a meal plan and shopping list in hand, you can avoid purchasing choices that lead to wasted food.

Food prep doesn’t have to mean spending all day assembling rows of identical meals packed neatly away in glass food dishes. Simply taking a few steps can make food easier to use later and save time and money.

Food stays fresher, tastes better and lasts longer when stored in the right place.

You bought the food. You cooked the food. Instead of tossing it, you should get to enjoy it! Use up leftovers and the ingredients you have before buying more. You'll waste less, save more and may even find a new favorite dish.

Looking for inspiration? Households that measure their wasted food are more motivated to reduce food waste. Each Oregon household throws away six pounds of food every week, on average. How does yours compare?