From Farm to Table—And Beyond: Tackling Food Waste in North Carolina Can: Reduce Your Food Waste
- Second Harvest
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Soy and corn. Pork and poultry. Sweet potatoes.
Soy and corn. Pork and poultry. Sweet potatoes.
North Carolina is an agricultural powerhouse. In addition to our well-known large-scale commodities, we have a growing network of small farms and local food producers that contribute to our state’s rich food economy. Yet, even in this land of plenty, food waste remains a massive challenge.
The Impact of Food Waste
It is estimated that as much as 40% of all food produced in the United States goes uneaten—an alarming statistic with wide-reaching consequences. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans waste more than 200 pounds of food per person each year, contributing to an annual loss of $444 billion nationwide. On average, a family of four loses about $1,500 annually due to food waste.
Food is wasted at every stage of the supply chain—from farm fields and processing plants to grocery store shelves. At Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, we work to intercept food before it becomes waste, ensuring it reaches families who need it most. Every day, nearly 37 tons of food are redistributed through our network of partner agencies.
However, research shows that households are actually the largest contributors to food waste, accounting for nearly 40% of all wasted food. The environmental impact is staggering: wasted food generates approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to the depletion of natural resources, including the water and energy used in food production.
Make Reducing Food Waste a Priority
Reducing food waste isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also good for your budget. This year, commit to taking small, practical steps to minimize food waste at home. Here’s how:
Shop Smart: Plan meals in advance, make a shopping list, and buy only what you need. Be mindful of bulk deals that may lead to excess food waste.
Store Food Properly: Keep produce fresh longer by storing it correctly. Freeze leftovers within a few days to extend their shelf life. Learn more about safe food storage.
Eat What You Buy: Make it a habit to use up all perishable items before heading back to the store. Organize your fridge and pantry to keep older items in front.
Get Creative with Leftovers: Turn yesterday’s dinner into today’s lunch. Need inspiration? Check out these ideas.
Compost Food Scraps: Reduce landfill waste by composting fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, and coffee grounds. Not ready to compost at home? Find a local composting program or community garden to donate your scraps. Learn how to get started.
Donate Surplus Food: Have unopened, non-perishable items you won’t use? Donate them to Second Harvest Food Bank or your local pantry!
Let's End Food Waste
At Second Harvest Food Bank, we believe that food belongs on plates, not in landfills. Together, we can make a difference. Stay informed, get involved, and help build a food-secure community for all.
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