[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@” admin_label=”SubNav Fullwidth Header | Image+PageTitle” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _dynamic_attributes=”title” _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|||on|||||” title_font_size=”90px” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_type=”circular” background_color_gradient_direction_radial=”top” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(76,147,2,0) 30%|rgba(76,147,2,0.7) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/protectyourcentralcoast.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/strawberriesiStock-629815866.jpg” min_height=”100px” min_height_tablet=”77px” min_height_phone=”70px” min_height_last_edited=”on|phone” height=”91px” height_tablet=”78px” height_phone=”65px” height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” title_font_tablet=”|||on|||||” title_font_phone=”|||on|||||” title_font_last_edited=”on|phone” title_font_size_tablet=”72px” title_font_size_phone=”30px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” background_last_edited=”off|tablet” custom_css_title=”padding-bottom:0px;||padding-top:11px;||margin-bottom:-40px;||font-weight: 100;” global_module=”1872″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_title_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_title_tablet=”padding-top:5px;||margin-bottom:-40px;||font-weight: 100;” custom_css_title_phone=”margin-bottom:-65px;||padding-top:14px;||bottom:0;||font-weight: 300;”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”2%||2%||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/protectyourcentralcoast.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/oldstrawberriesiStock-1004529248.jpg” alt=”Old strawberries” title_text=”Old strawberries” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
40% \u2013 Forty percent of food in America is wasted.
25% \u2013 Twenty-five percent of the food we each buy never gets eaten.
90% \u2013 Ninety percent of us throw away food too soon.
300 lbs. \u2013 Each of us tosses nearly three hundred pounds of food each year.
$1,500 \u2013 The average family of four throws out $1,500 of food annually.<\/p>\n
Wasted food also wastes the energy and water used to create it, and the fuel and money used to bring it from the farm to your table. Rotting food in our landfills creates methane gas, a powerful greenhouse gas.\u202f The stakes are high, but preventing food waste is one of the easiest ways we each can actively combat climate change. Outlined here are some ways you can help!<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ module_id=”plan” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”padding-top:0px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”padding-top:0px;”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Plan meals and make a list of the ingredients you need. Remember to shop your fridge and pantry first to see what you already have. This takes the stress out of shopping and meal prep time trying to figure out what to buy and make.\u202f If you\u2019re hosting a dinner or party and are not sure how much to buy, try a food-planning tool like this dinner party calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ admin_label=”Shop” module_id=”plan” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”padding-top:0px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”padding-top:0px;”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Stick to your list! \u202fAvoid those impulses. It\u2019s not a bargain if it will go bad before you can enjoy it, and you\u2019re less likely to throw out food if you already have a plan to use it.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ admin_label=”Prep” module_id=”plan” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”padding-top:0px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”padding-top:0px;”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Prep foods shortly after bringing them home. Things like \u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200braw vegetables \u200b\u200b\u200band \u200bfresh fruits\u200b are more likely to be grabbed as snacks if they\u2019re ready to go. Having prepped ingredients makes it easy to make healthy, tasty meals on a busy work night.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” admin_label=”Store DESKTOP” module_id=”plan” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”padding-top:0px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”padding-top:0px;”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Storing food properly can keep it fresh longer. Knowing what dates stamped on food<\/a> mean can also help you keep from throwing out food and drinks while they\u2019re still perfectly good to consume.<\/p>\n Use your freezer! When you make a batch of sauce or a big pot of soup (an excellent way to use things up), store it in serving-sizes for quick meals on the go. Break up bulk packages of meat into meal-size portions. Learn how long things can keep in your freezer with the Food Keeper<\/a> app.<\/p>\n Store cut herbs and asparagus just like flowers \u2013 in water, in your fridge.\u202fDon\u2019t wash berries until you\u2019re ready to eat them \u2013 store them in an airtight container with a dry paper towel. For more food storage tips to help keep food fresher longer, check out www.SavetheFood.com<\/a> and www.StopFoodWaste.org<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/protectyourcentralcoast.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/foodstorageiStock-1216014653.jpg” alt=”Person storing vegetables and fruits in plastic containers” title_text=”Food storage” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2.1em||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ disabled_on=”off|off|on” admin_label=”Store MOBILE” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”padding-top:0px;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”padding-top:0px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”padding-top:0px;”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/protectyourcentralcoast.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/foodstorageiStock-1216014653.jpg” alt=”Person storing vegetables and fruits in plastic containers” title_text=”Food storage” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Storing food properly can keep it fresh longer. Knowing what dates stamped on food<\/a> mean can also help you keep from throwing out food and drinks while they\u2019re still perfectly good to consume.<\/p>\n Use your freezer! When you make a batch of sauce or a big pot of soup (an excellent way to use things up), store it in serving-sizes for quick meals on the go. Break up bulk packages of meat into meal-size portions. Learn how long things can keep in your freezer with the Food Keeper<\/a> app.<\/p>\n Store cut herbs and asparagus just like flowers \u2013 in water, in your fridge.\u202fDon\u2019t wash berries until you\u2019re ready to eat them \u2013 store them in an airtight container with a dry paper towel. For more food storage tips to help keep food fresher longer, check out www.SavetheFood.com<\/a> and www.StopFoodWaste.org<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ module_id=”plan” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”padding-top:0px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”padding-top:0px;”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Have a place in the refrigerator for \u201cEAT FIRST\u201d foods. Make a habit to go there first for snacks, and plan to use those items before they go bad.<\/p>\n If you find yourself with leftovers or ingredients that you aren\u2019t sure how to prepare, try a handy app like Handpick<\/a> or others that provide recipes based on ingredients.<\/p>\n Use up your Thanksgiving (and other) leftovers with great recipes from Jamie Oliver<\/a> and from other famous chefs on Food Network\u2019s<\/a> website.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” admin_label=”Donate DESKTOP Row” module_id=”plan” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”padding-top:0px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”padding-top:0px;”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Order too much food, have a bumper crop in the garden this year, or just make too much?\u202f Keep it out of the landfill, and fill a need instead. Thanks to the Good Samaritan Act of California<\/a>, businesses, restaurants, and good faith donors can now donate unused food to local food banks, nonprofit organizations, or directly to individuals without liability. Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County<\/a><\/p>\n Local Food Recovery Organizations<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/protectyourcentralcoast.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/fooddonationiStock-1390070058.jpg” alt=”Women working at food donation business” title_text=”Food donation” show_in_lightbox=”on” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2.1em||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ disabled_on=”off|off|on” admin_label=”Donate MOBILE Row” module_id=”plan” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”padding-top:0px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”padding-top:0px;”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/protectyourcentralcoast.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/fooddonationiStock-1390070058.jpg” alt=”Women working at food donation business” title_text=”Food donation” show_in_lightbox=”on” show_bottom_space=”off” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Order too much food, have a bumper crop in the garden this year, or just make too much?\u202f Keep it out of the landfill, and fill a need instead. Thanks to the Good Samaritan Act of California<\/a>, businesses, restaurants, and good faith donors can now donate unused food to local food banks, nonprofit organizations, or directly to individuals without liability. Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County<\/a><\/p>\n Local Food Recovery Organizations<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Rot It DESKTOP” module_id=”plan” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”2.1em||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”padding-top:0px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”padding-top:0px;”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”1882,2200″ gallery_orderby=”rand” fullwidth=”on” dbdb_version=”4.3.5″ _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” auto=”on” auto_speed=”3000″ hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_free_form=”.et-pb-slider-arrows {|| display:none;||}” global_colors_info=”{}” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Create compost to get the most out of remaining food scraps and create nourishing soil amendment for your yard and garden. Use your local curbside food scrap collection service<\/a> or compost at home. These organizations offer free composting workshops to local residents to help you get started:<\/p>\n Salinas Valley Recycles<\/a><\/p>\n County of Santa Cruz<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ module_id=”plan” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”padding-top:0px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”padding-top:0px;”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n StopFoodWaste.org<\/a><\/p>\n SavetheFood.com<\/a><\/p>\n LoveFoodNotWaste.org<\/a><\/p>\n US EPA\u2019s Food Too Good To Waste Tool Kit<\/a><\/p>\n How to tell an egg is fresh<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” admin_label=”Businesses DESKTOP Row” module_id=”plan” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”padding-top:0px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”padding-top:0px;”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n California\u2019s SB 1383 requires businesses to participate in food scrap and organics collection program. Food-generating businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, schools, hotels, etc. will also be required to collect and donate edible food. Please contact your waste and recycling collection service provider for help in getting started.<\/p>\n MealConnect \u2013 Food donation pickup and delivery program<\/a><\/p>\n MEANS Database \u2013 Non-profit food rescue<\/a><\/p>\n Thank you for doing your part!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/protectyourcentralcoast.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/businessdonationiStock-1390854011.jpg” alt=”Man loading truck with donations” title_text=”Business donation” show_in_lightbox=”on” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2.1em||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ disabled_on=”off|off|on” admin_label=”Businesses MOBILE Row” module_id=”plan” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”padding-top:0px;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”padding-top:0px;”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/protectyourcentralcoast.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/businessdonationiStock-1390854011.jpg” alt=”Man loading truck with donations” title_text=”Business donation” show_in_lightbox=”on” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2.1em||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n California\u2019s SB 1383 requires businesses to participate in food scrap and organics collection program. Food-generating businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, schools, hotels, etc. will also be required to collect and donate edible food. Please contact your waste and recycling collection service provider for help in getting started.<\/p>\n MealConnect \u2013 Food donation pickup and delivery program<\/a><\/p>\nShop<\/h3>\n
Prep<\/h3>\n
Store<\/h3>\n
Store<\/h3>\n
Use It Up<\/h3>\n
Donate<\/h3>\n
Food Bank for Monterey County<\/a><\/p>\n
Find a food bank near you<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nDonate<\/h3>\n
Food Bank for Monterey County<\/a><\/p>\n
Find a food bank near you<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nRot It<\/h3>\n
Additional Resources<\/h3>\n
Businesses<\/h3>\n
Businesses<\/h3>\n