Some people don’t have enough food, while others are eating too much. There’s only one way to fix this problem—WE DO SOMETHING.
43% of food waste comes from individuals. Not restaurants or large businesses—you and me! The good news about that number is that we can do something about it every single day!
#WhyWasteFoodWednesday
Today we are going to stop a common food waste problem and give you even more food in the process. No, we don’t have a magic wand over here at Food Finders, but we do have an incredible tip to get our Wednesday started.
Don’t Throw Away The Bottom of Your Romain Lettuce
You can grow another one!
Cut off the bottom of the lettuce.
Place the flat part of the lettuce bottom in a bowl
Throwing out romaine lettuce is like shooting a hole in our atmosphere (with C02E from the landfills) and emptying out precious gallons of water (that go into growing that lettuce!)
Americans waste 150,000 tons of food each day – equal to a pound per person
Do Something To Make A Difference
Why throw good food away when you can do one small thing to make that food into a delicious meal—for your family or for others who need it.
Food Finders is working every day to rescue food in Southern California. We pick it up with the help of hundreds of committed volunteers and then deliver that food to local non-profit agencies who share it with our neighbors in need.
Food Finders Volunteers picking up donated food and delivery it to a community non-profit
If you are looking to be a part of the solution and would like to volunteer your time to help pick up and deliver rescued food, click here.
Become a Share Table Member and Multiply Your Impact
If you would like to help grow our operations with a monthly donation that will help to create meals, then click here.
Share this tip with ten people you know and ask them to share it with ten people they know. If we can all do just one thing every day to stop food waste imagine what our neighborhoods could be!!
Food Finders is a food rescue nonprofit organization with a primary focus on reducing hunger while also reducing food waste. We coordinate the daily pick-up of donated excess food from grocers, restaurants, hospitals, schools, manufacturers, and more; food is then distributed directly and immediately to nonprofit recipients, such as pantries, shelters, youth programs, and senior centers, to be used for serving hot meals or as grocery distribution for people who are struggling and food insecure.
Carrots are a hearty vegetable with so many nutrients that it is impossible not to use every bit! Here are some tips to keep you storing and preparing the best possible way without waste.
Storing Carrots
Remove the tops of carrots if you buy them with the green leaves attached. Keep them in a plastic bag in the coolest part of your refrigerator for about two weeks. And a warning: keep carrots away from apples and potatoes—their gasses will make your carrots bitter.
Another interesting storage tip is that you can store carrots in empty, cleaned milk cartons. Seal it shut and they should last longer.
Recipes Galore
Peel your carrots, slice them into rounded coins and toss them into a mixture of butter and honey. Make sure they are fully coated and then roast them in the oven for about 30 minutes at 350. Delicious hot or cold.
carrots roasted with honey
Shred your carrots and put them in your salads, sprinkle them on top of sandwiches for an added crunchy bite.
Mashed carrots can be eaten alone or blended with mashed potatoes. If that doesn’t sound good, then sautee some onions in butter and throw in the mashed mixture. Add ginger for a spicy taste. The onions add a whole new dimension.
Shred your carrots and some beets and apples. Blend the altogether with a little mayo for an amazing salad experience.
Blend up your carrots with apples and you have an incredible smoothie to get your day started!
Don’t Waste Carrots
Soup is nothing without carrots so if you have some lying around then add them to any broth you are making. Their sweetness adds a nutritional dimension to any type of soup. Plus pureed carrot soup is wonderful!
And of course, if all else fails, slice up the carrots into sticks and snack on them. Don’t like raw? Then steam them. The flavor of steamed carrots is exceptional!
40% of carrots are thrown into the trash—which means all the water that went into growing them is also thrown out. Try new ways of preparing these nutritious vegetables. Your body will be happy and so will the earth!
Adding carrots to soup is delicious
If you have any interesting tips for preparing food to avoid waste, send them to us at marketing@foodfinders.org
When food goes uneaten and is thrown away, all the resources that went into preparing that food go to waste as well. Think about water for a moment…without water, we cannot live, and yet, when there is an ugly, over-ripe banana on the counter we can toss it in the trash without a thought.
About 5-gallons of water per day is required for one banana tree.
One banana tree takes about 9-months to produce bananas
Over the 270 days it takes to produce bananas, that tree will use over 1,300 gallons of water.
Americans throw away 5 billion bananas every year!
That means billions of gallons of water are thrown away too!
Let’s Make Eating Bananas Fun & Easy with Banana “Ice Cream”
Sarah, A flavor-loving nutritionist at Live-Eat-Learn posted a great recipe for all those ripe to over-ripe bananas you are considering tossing into a landfill. With just one ingredient and a great how-to recipe, we can show you how to prevent good food from being tossed away.
1-Ingredient Ice Cream. source: live-eat-learn
The Uglier, The Better!
If you are lucky enough to have bananas at home that look like the “over-ripe” picture above–then you are in for a real treat! The darker the banana peel, the sweeter the flavor of ice cream. Plus, that means you don’t need to add any sweeteners to make a delicious dessert.
Recipe
Step 1: Chop your bananas into chunks and lay them in a single layer on a parchment-lined plate or tray. It’s important that you peel the bananas before freezing! Bananas will take about 2 hours to freeze.
Tip: this is a great way to save bananas for later. source: live-eat-learn
Step 2: Let the bananas thaw a bit (just 5 minutes or so), which will make them slightly easier to blend, then throw them into a heavy-duty blender or food processor. Even an electric hand mixer will work.
source: live-eat-learn
Step 3: To get this delicious treat blending more easily, you can do a few things. Either let the bananas thaw a bit so they do not rock solid, or add a splash of milk (any milk will do!) until things start moving. Scrape the sides and push the ice cream down into the blades of the blender or food processor until you get a smooth, soft-serve consistency.
source: live-eat-learn
Step 5: Storage of all food is critical so to store this banana ice cream, cover it in plastic wrap (or transfer it to an airtight container), and freeze. When ready to eat again, let it soften on the counter for a few minutes before scooping.
Storage is important. source: live-eat-learn
Variety Makes This Even More Delicious
Vanilla: Use the base recipe then add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Tropical: Use 3 frozen bananas, ½ cup of frozen mango, and ½ cup of frozen pineapple. Instead of using milk to blend, add a splash of orange or pineapple juice.
Mocha: Use the base recipe then add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, and a handful of chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter: Use the base recipe and then add 2 large tablespoons of peanut butter.
#StopFoodWasteWednesday
Nourishing ourselves is important for a long healthy life but there are many people around us who cannot afford to buy food that will feed their whole family so don’t be wasteful! Buy what you need and store safely what you cannot eat before it goes bad. And share your favorite 1-Ingredient recipes with us and PLEASE SHARE
Food Finders, Inc
To learn more about Food Finder’s food rescue programs please reach out to us by visiting our contact page: https://foodfinders.org/contact-us/
Let’s Gear Up for “Summer To End Hunger” Food Donation Event
Springtime is the best season to think about cleaning out cabinets and drawers and we want to help you make room for summer with some ideas to feel better and make an impact!
Your Kitchen Cupboards Called to Say: “Help!”
Overstocked with Pandemic shutdown “hoarding,” our cupboards may be filled with too much food. Check the labels and start putting food items in a box that are not going to get used. Donating overstocked non-perishable foods are a wonderful way to organize and make an impact in your community.
Food Drives Help To Feed People With The Most Need
So much of our foods get thrown away when they can be donated and redistributed through organizations like Food Finders. See our Food List below
When You Donate Food To Avoid Food Waste and Help The Environment
Food banks are especially important in the food distribution process. They work with their local communities to ensure that everyone has access to healthful foods. They solicit, receive, store, and distribute fresh produce (when available) and pantry staples (like the foods we are listing below).
Food Banks and Pantries help people get connected to other essential benefits and serve as community hubs for volunteers who are serving their local communities.
How To Host A Food Drive
Any business, community center, Library, retailer, or city location can host a food drive. Food Finders will provide a storage bin, signage, and donation food lists. Food Finders will also arrange to pick up all the collected food items from you!
Plastic jars of unsweetened applesauce serve as a great quick snack with just enough fiber and vitamin C. Applesauce is also a smart choice because it preserves well on food bank shelves.
2. Canned Beans
Full of protein and fiber, canned beans offer a superb and nourishing way to fill an empty tummy. Try to look for low-sodium variations whenever available.
3. Canned Chicken
While canned chicken may seem like a simple choice, it is high in protein content and can be a perfect item for those on the go. Additionally, its versatility makes it a popular item at food banks.Try adding this non-perishable item into soups, casseroles, sandwiches, or crackers!
4. Canned Meat (SPAM and Ham)
Do you have some extra SPAM or canned ham? If so, make sure to drop it off at your local food donation site. It’s shelf-stable, does not require much preparation or equipment to eat, and provides a quick source of protein that keeps individuals feeling full for longer periods of time.
5. Canned Fish (Tuna and Salmon)
Canned fish has various vitamins, especially omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Many food banks are in need of canned tuna and salmon because it makes for such a convenient and easy meal.
6. Canned Vegetables
Residents in need are continuously requesting lively, nutrient-dense, and fiber-rich vegetables. Make sure to grab low-sodium options. Canned variations also last the longest on a food bank’s shelves. Food banks frequently hand out recipes that utilize the items they have in stock.
7. Crackers
Are an ideal snack or can be used as a base for canned proteins. They are also shelf-stable and portable, making them perfect for snacks and lunches. Whole-grain crackers are the best bet.
8. Cooking Oils (Olive and Canola)
Food banks heavily depend on these essential and costlier items to be donated. Canola and olive oils are the preeminent choices because of their monounsaturated fats and minor flavor.
9. Dried Herbs and Spices
It is hard to cook a flavorsome meal without herbs and spices. So, drop a few in your shopping cart to donate! We suggest sticking to the fundamentals: oregano, basil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and cinnamon.
10. Fruit (Canned or Dried)
Fruit, whether dried, canned or in plastic cups can make superb snacks for young children and adults. Select those that are packaged in water or fruit juice instead of sugary syrups.
11. Nuts
With a handful of nuts, they deliver protein and nutrients instantaneously, which has made them perfect for snacks and lunches. Food banks have a difficult time obtaining them due to their higher price, so they heavily rely on donations. Go for unsalted varieties when possible.
12. Granola Bars
Food banks are continuously in need of fast and easy items that families can throw into lunches or eat on the go. Granola bars are the answer. Try to look for the ones that have fewer grams of sugar, made with oats, or other whole grains.
13. Instant Mashed Potatoes
Instant potatoes last a very long time and require minimal cooking tools and ingredients. They are also a beloved staple item in every age group, making an item that goes quickly off Food Banks’ shelves.
14. Grocery Meals in a Box
An entire meal that’s shelf-stable and in one package is the best way to nourish a hungry tummy. It is very popular with those who do not have a stocked kitchen or tools needed to prepare a meal. The best options are pasta, rice, and soup kits (particularly those that are lower in sodium and higher in fiber and protein).
15. Pasta
In Food banks, pasta is a staple item since it can be easily turned into a meal. Opt for whole-grain selections that offer more fiber and nutrition compared to white pasta.
16. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a high source of protein that can be eaten alone or combined with other food items. Since both children and adults like it, peanut butter is easily one of the most desired items at food banks.
17. Rice
This popular item is filling, versatile, easy to prepare, and store. Consider substituting white rice for brown rice instead because it is a healthier option with much more fiber to offer. Quinoa is another great alternative item to donate if feasible.
18. Shelf-stable and Powdered Milk
The best part of this item is that no refrigeration is required to keep it fresh, which makes it available to everyone. More importantly, milk delivers a much-needed source of calcium and protein (especially for a developing child).
19. Whole Grain Cereal
This is another popular item with all age groups. Whole-grain cereal makes for a healthy and quick breakfast or snack. Some selections are low in sugar and high in fiber that helps provide nutrients to good digestive bacteria, which then release substances that help lower levels of inflammation body-wide.
20. Honey
This is a sweet, viscous food substance that can be used as a natural sweetener. It is rich in antioxidants and propolis, which each promote burn and wound healing. It can also be used to help suppress coughing in children.
21. Soup, Stew, and Chili
These substances act as a warm and satisfying lunch or dinner. You can find these items in canned or packaged form and they are often sold as a complete meal with protein (meat) and veggies. If possible, attempt to find reduced-sodium alternatives.
What to skip when donating to your local food bank:
Junk food (chips, cookies, candy)
Packaged items with glass or cellophane (these can be easily broken in transit)
Items that require can openers or cooking equipment
Instead, try to donate pop-top cans–whether for veggies, meat or fruit
DID YOU KNOW: Fruit is one of the most wasted produce items because it is the fastest to ripen? 🤔
Preventing food from going to waste is one of the easiest and most powerful actions you can take to save money and help the planet Earth to flourish for generations to come!
In fact, the benefits of preventing food waste from ending up in our landfills are quite compelling:
Helps us save our money
Reduces our carbon footprints
Preserves energy and resources
Lowers the price of produce and other products made with fruits and vegetables
Creates opportunities for food security in low-income communities
So what can you do with some aging apples and a mushy strawberry or two?
Fruit Jam
For our #WhyWasteFoodWednesday post we want to share a quick recipe on how to repurpose parts of your fruit that are often easily discarded. With our recipe for a fresh fruit jam you can put those apple cores and strawberry tops to good use! 🍓 🍎
INGREDIENTS LIST
💚 6 Apples (Cores & Peels only)
💚 3 ½ oz Strawberry Tops
💚 1 cup of water
💚 ½ Lemon Juice
💚 1 cup Superfine Sugar (or Powdered Sugar can work as well)
Now it’s time for preparation! Make sure to follow the steps below.
5 STEPS FOR PREPARATION:
Step 1: Place ingredients into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Simmer for 20-25 minutes on low heat and mix occasionally until the fruit is completely dissolved.
Step 3: Remove from heat when liquid thickens and scoop out any excess apple cores or strawberry tops.
Step 4: Pour jam into a jar and leave to close (without lid).
Step 5: Keep refrigerated and enjoy with your favorite bread for up to 2 weeks.
Now Enjoy!
If you have a recipe you would like to share with us for #WhyWasteFoodWednesday, please email mbereket@carly-bragg
If you would like to make an impact on reducing food waste and hunger help us grow our food rescue operations: Donate
The Avocado, delicious and finicky! It is hard to know when they are ripe, and then–they are over-ripe. Or are they? Too many avocados are tossed in the trash when they could be repurposed into something else delicious and highly nutritious. While overripe avocados are not great for slicing, they’re actually easier to mash or purée than ripe avocados, which comes in handy if you’re trying to make dips and spreads.
Before I get to the recipe:How do you know when it is still good to eat an avocado that has gone from green to brown? The real trick is your nose. If an avocado smells bad, then do not eat it. Brown does not mean it is not nutritious. An isolated brown spot may be due to bruising, rather than widespread spoilage, and can be cut away. Mold is another sign that you cannot eat an over-ripe avocado. The bottom line is to smell before using.
Avocado Pesto
Ingredients
Ingredient Checklist
1 large bunch fresh basil
2 ripe avocados
½ cup walnuts or hemp seeds
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Ground pepper to taste
Directions
Instructions Checklist
Step 1 Strip basil leaves from the stems and add to a food processor along with avocados, walnuts (or hemp seeds), lemon juice, garlic and salt; pulse until finely chopped. Add oil and process to form a thick paste. Season with pepper.
Tips
Make Ahead Tip: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 2-Tbsp.Per Serving: 126 calories; protein 1.1g; carbohydrates 3g; dietary fiber 2g; sugars 0.3g; fat 12.8g; saturated fat 1.7g; vitamin a iu 236.2IU; vitamin c 4.1mg; folate 26.4mcg; calcium 13.9mg; iron 0.4mg; magnesium 14.9mg; potassium 151.2mg; sodium 37.1mg.Exchanges:
✅Select firm ripe bananas. ✅Peel them ✅mash thoroughly. ✅Add 1/2 teaspoon (1500 mg) ascorbic acid per cup of mashed banana. ✅Package in moisture-vapor resistant container. ✅Seal and freeze. 🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌
How To Use Frozen Bananas
✅Smoothies, pancakes, cookie dough, bread + Cover in chocolate for a delish snack.
Share any other repurposed recipes and ideas by commenting below.
If you would like to make an impact on reducing food waste and hunger help us grow our food rescue operations: Donate
Repurpose it! And, if you do it right, you may just find that some recipes actually taste better when the bread is older. For our first #WhyWasteFoodWedesday recipe we have chosen bagels because in addition to being a totally fun food to repurpose, it also happens to be #BagelDay!
Bagel French Toast Recipe
This weeks recipe comes from All Recipes.
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Additional: 30 mins
Total: 50 mins
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings
Nutritional Per Serving: 219 calories; protein 10.2g; carbohydrates 34.2g; fat 4.1g; cholesterol 95.4mg; sodium 352mg
Ingredients
Original recipe yields 4 servings
½ cup milk 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Optional) ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (Optional) ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (Optional) 4 stale bagels, split 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, or to taste
Instructions Checklist
Step 1 Beat milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large, flat container.
Step 2 Place bagels, insides-down, into the egg mixture. Let sit for 30 minutes.
Step 3 Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bagel slices and cook, working in batches if needed, until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Your support of Food Finders provides more than just food- it provides time spent cooking together, reconnecting with friends or family, creating a long-lasting memory, tradition and much more. Make a donation this December and provide someone in need with #MoreThanJustFood.
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