Millions of people, all around the world, waste food. Here are the facts, from the EPA, and ideas to help you be a part of the solution.

Heifer International’s Holiday 2011 issue of World Ark Magazine lists important “Facts and Figures” related to the amount of food wasted throughout the world.

Consider these statistics, and what you can do about it.

40% - In the US, an estimated 40 percent of food gets thrown away.

• Limit your meal portions. If you’re still hungry, then eat more.
• Save your left-overs for another meal.             

50% – The US’s per capita food waste has increased 50 percent since 1974.

• Monitor your own food waste to see what you’re contributing to the US’s per capita food waste.
• Talk with your family members to create a plan to reduce your waste.

20% – Food rotting in landfills produce 20 percent of all methane imissions, contributing to global warming.

• Collect your food waste and compost it, or give it to a friend who composts.
• Know your local farmers! Donate your food waste to a local farmer, or neighbor who raises chickens or pigs.
• Learn to be a “Locavore.” Buy food at local farmer’s markets, and learn to freeze and can produce so they last longer.

14% – Food waste makes up more than 14 percent of the municipal solid waste stream.

• Take a tour of your local solid waste treatment plant to learn about waste management in your community.

33% - Worldwide, roughly thirty-three percent of all food produced is never eaten.

• Know your grocer and your local food pantry! Talk to your grocery store manager about helping to distribute food to local food pantries.
• Learn more about President Clinton’s 1996  ”Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act”.
• Learn more about food gleaning, and encourage your local grocers and farmers to be a part of this movement.

925 Million – All together, industrialized countries toss 222 million tons of food each year. That’s enough to feed 925 million people.

• Get involved with a local charity to help serve meals to those in need, in your community.
• Read food labels. Learn more about where your food comes from by reading the label on your food container.

Learn more about what you can do to reduce food waste:

• www.divethefilm.com
• http://feedingamerica.org/
• Search “gleaning” for an abundance of articles and projects focused on reducing food waste.

RAISE YOUR FORK and ACT NOW!