The Food Network has a special show called The Big Waste.
It takes food from restaurants, grocery stores and produce farms that is on its way to the trash to make it into meals for a crowd of people.
I was surprised at how much is actually just thrown own. Several things went through my head, like WHY CAN’T YOU DONATE THIS FOOD!
I’m sure regulations keep some of it from being donated, but what about the rest? We toss out too much food. There are people starving and we can’t give it away for a fear of a lawsuit.
But this show got me thinking. I had always shunned the ‘clearance’ produce cart at the grocery store as it was ‘rotten food’. My husband had started picking up limes for some concoction of limeade he makes himself on a weekly basis, and getting a bag of limes for $1 seemed smart to him and he spends time squeezing them and freezing in snack cups.
I went shopping recently and frequented the clearance produce cart waiting for me in the back of the produce section by the bulk food section. It was full of many fruits and veggies that were in need of purchase and eat me now food.
I checked it out and looked for food I thought was acceptable for my family to eat. I bought potatoes for .39 a pound, apples for .59 a pound. Pineapple cored (40%).
From this, I was able to make 3 batches (3 dozen) apple strudel muffins, potato soup, hash brown casserole, baked potatoes, smoothies with pineapple and pineapple chunks.
Many different recipes can be made with food that is on the rack to go out the door.
Don’t overlook the hidden gems on the reduced rack
1. Take only what you can use in the upcoming week, unless you are going to freeze or can with it.
2. Items purchased will be ready to use ASAP and cannot wait for a few weeks.
3. Have a list of recipes you like to make handy or in your memory (I would have to write them down).
4. You will have to think on your feet for possible recipes you can make with the ingredient.
5. When you bring the food home, open and review and sort out any spoiled or rotten food.
This will help you save money, and hopefully you will be able to use a coupon or two on some of the produce (some grocery stores offer online store coupons on produce).
I agree…I frequently check the reduced rack!
most Thursdays I make soup….using the left overs from Mon, Tues and WEd..the soup is always different and tasty..and no waste of left overs!
Yes, it’s crazy how much we waste. I can’t believe the stuff that gets thrown out in the lunchroom at school. And with produce…I remember the great pies my mom would make. She’d cut a bad spot off an apple or potato and the rest was fine.
New follower from weekend bloghop
Carrie
Adventures in Motherhood – http://www.carriemotherhood.blogspot.com
Chicago Foodie Sisters – http://www.chicagofoodiesisters.blogspot.com
I SO agree with you. I was in Panera once and there were these three huge bags of bread crusts on the counter. I was meeting a friend for coffee, but it was at a time when we were BROKE. Our cupboards were nearly bare. Finally a lady came out and grabbed the bags… I made eye contact and she said, “Oh these are the scraps nobody wants, do you want them for feeding to the birds or something?”
I said “SURE” and took them home… and our family ate them. We had grilled cheese and French toast on a variety of crusts. I’m not picky and neither are my kids. If I was there more often, I’d arrange to always pick up their ‘unwanted’ crusts!
Byn recently posted..It’s Here! Bean’s Monkey Business Premiere!
This is the exact reason why companies need to not toss out the ‘bad’ food. There are people in need who can use the scraps. I wasn’t around during the depression, but my grandma grew up during that time. They had a potato farm and the survived on potatoes. They were very thrifty and nothing went to waste. You weren’t picky about food, you ate to survive.
If we go out to eat, I try to take a piece of Tupperware with me for left overs or get a to go container. Nothing should be thrown out if we can eat it later.
Agreed! I like the way you think… and I don’t see this mindset often anymore:(
byn recently posted..Win Your Own Beanket! Three Chances to Win!
I agree! As a mom of six, I always check for day old bread, clearance produce, and quick reduced meats. Many stores I shop at do not do these things though. I watched The Big Waste and my husband and I were horrified. I am trying to get up the guts to ask for the produce they throw away. I am not filming a tv show though! Anyway, I stopped by from Mom Bloggers Club, Google Plus group and plus oned this entry and added you to my circles. I would love it if you would stop by and reciprocate if you wish. Amy B http://bowofbronze.com/amysblog
Amy B recently posted..Book Review and Giveaway: Cooper and Me and The Military
Thanks for stopping by. I would be curious to what their answer is on what they do with it. You’ll have to let me know. I’ll have to ask my store too.
Oh, I followed you on Networked BLogs too.
Amy B recently posted..Book Review and Giveaway: Cooper and Me and The Military
This is really good information I’d been reluctant to buy from the food clearance aisle, though goodness knows it’s where I buy everything else. I never considered baking or cooking/freezing. Thanks for the inspiration.
I like your site.
Peace and good to you.
Chelle recently posted..Can we ever be content??
Just check things out before you buy them to ensure they are safe. They are usually foods that should be ate quickly, within a few days.
This is a very important & informative post…Thanks for sharing.& Congratulations!!This is featured @Midweek Fiesta today.Don’t forget to visit the party today…
Amy recently posted..Midweek Fiesta #17
Thank you for featuring my blog! I appreciate it!
There are a lot of good recipes on your site.
Twitter: shanmilholland
says:
Great ideas! I definitely try to shop on the clearance rack wherever I am. I’ve found some great meat bargains that way as well. I just get out what I can use that night and freeze the rest at a substantial savings!
Shannon Milholland recently posted..The Beginning of God’s Will for Your Life
Thanks Shannon. We do that too with meat. I picked up clearance meat (20% off) with a coupon for kraft cheese slices (which happened to also be 50% off), making it an awesome deal on cheese!
Twitter: PlayfulDecor
says:
Hey Regina! I’m coming from vb – cute blog! I saw that a celeb (forget who) did a show on bin-digging, as in garbage-bin. She found perfectly good foods to eat – not sure if its the same show you’re referring to. Not sure I could do that! Unfortunately, my grocery store doesn’t have a produce clearance section – I think I’ll suggest it! Great tips – would you be interested in posting this for my Five Tips Friday sequence? Here’s a direct link to my blog and you can look at the others – http://www.playfuldecor.blogspot.com
Have a great day! Nan
Nan recently posted..Cheap Myrtle Beach Vacation Review
Hi Nan,
I will contact you about that.
The show on Food Network didn’t dive into the garabage (the thought kinds turns my tummy). They took food from stores that the store was going to toss out because it was too ripe, expired.
Thanks for visiting!
Twitter: RVAhome
says:
It makes me sad to see so much food wasted too. I have definitely been guilty, but lately I try to think of ways to use everything.
I think it is something we all struggle with Becky. Maybe making smaller meals, freezing leftovers will help. That is what we are trying.
Thanks for stopping by.
Twitter: Twinfun1n1
says:
I’m definitely going to watch that show. Sounds interesting to me – although I know I’m guilty of the waste.
Leigh
Leigh recently posted..Beach Tales: After the Storm Comes Some FUN!
Thanks for stopping Leigh. It is hard, but seeing areas you can improve is the first step to identify change.
Twitter: crazykids5
says:
Oh yeah! Clearance baby! I’m all over it! With 6 kids, it’s a must
Sharon recently posted..We Can Burn Brighter…Than The Sun…And You Can Stop Recording Now, Mom!
It is a great way to get food that is honestly still good for a while, and tastes just fine! Thanks for stopping!