According to the USDA, Americans waste between 30-40% of our annual food supply. This statistic becomes even more egregious when we recognize that, in non-pandemic times, more than 35 million Americans experience food insecurity each year. As with many national issues, the coronavirus has only made things worse, and a study by Northwestern University found that the number of food insecure households more than doubled, while the number of food insecure households with children more than tripled this year.
As it gets colder and we try to cope with the stress and isolation 2020 has brought, it is tempting to find comfort in extravagant home-cooked meals. However, besides the obvious health risks of gathering with family and friends, it is important to think about our eating habits as well. We should take some steps to reduce our food waste and give back to our communities.
Ideally, your family gatherings should be contained to your household this year, which means it is important to plan accordingly when preparing meals. You might be used to preparing food for extended family members, too, around the holidays, but this year, remember to only cook as much as you and your household will be able to eat in a few days after the big event.
If you can, consider joining a Community Supported Agriculture program. While doing research for this article, I found an interesting argument against companies who sell “imperfect” food that would otherwise go to waste.
For anyone interested, here is an op-ed by a food justice collective critiquing the ugly produce movement for commodifying and gentrifying agribusiness’ food “waste” and taking a significant portion of their customer base, stifling their food justice programs. They argue that the food “waste” would have been distributed to local food banks. Here is a response by the Co-Founder and CEO of Imperfect Foods, Ben Simon. He argues that the produce they sell is sourced from leftover waste after food banks take their share. I recommend checking out the full articles for more information.
Regardless, it is safe to say that our current system is not working. While we push for change at a systemic level, we should support community-based organizations that are fighting against food waste and insecurity. One easy way to do this is to shop at co-ops like the Davis Food Co-op or similar stores in your neighborhood. Another local group to support is Davis Food Not Bombs, a mutual aid group that has been providing free meals to the community since 1996.
On the Davis campus, you can find a community fridge right next to the Aggie Reuse Store, the ASUCD Pantry, and amazing student organizations like the Food Recovery Network which works to divert food waste and alleviate hunger.
We all have a lot on our minds this holiday season, but it is important to take some time to consider where we get our food, what food we choose to eat, and how we can give back to those in need of this essential commodity.