Holiday Waste Hits the Southeast

Across the Southeast, families are preparing for Thanksgiving, and it is a good time to thank the region’s farmers, ranchers, and growers whose work fills holiday tables. Their dedication deserves respect, and one of the simplest ways to show it is by wasting less of what they produce.

ReFED estimates that three hundred twenty million pounds of food will be wasted nationwide this Thanksgiving. That represents five hundred fifty million dollars thrown away and adds up to two hundred sixty-seven million meals that could have supported people in need.

A recent survey shows more than ninety percent of Thanksgiving hosts intentionally prepare more food than necessary, and every single host ends up with leftovers. Yet twelve percent have no plan to use or manage them.

There are practical ways for Southeast households to make a difference. Share leftovers with guests, turn them into new meals, freeze what is left, donate unopened items, and compost food scraps where programs or backyard setups exist.

To learn more about the impacts of food waste and tips to make an impact where you can, head to https://refed.org/articles/how-much-food-will-go-to-waste-this-thanksgiving-about-550-million-worth/