WeB次元官网网址檝e all been there B次元官网网址� committing to eating more greens, only to watch them wilt in the fridge, or sending the kids with a fruit- and veggie-filled lunch B次元官网网址� and having them return with it virtually untouched.

For many, those ingredients were a from local farmers B次元官网网址� food that took a lot of time, commitment and resources to produce.

Did you know, for example, that your morning apple took six to eight months to mature on a tree whose year-round care includes watering, fertilizing, pruning, monitoring and more? Or that our comfort food staple and CanadaB次元官网网址檚 largest vegetable crop, the humble potato, has complex growing, harvesting and storage needs?

Here in Greater Victoria, the Capital Regional DistrictB次元官网网址檚 found that avoidable food waste B次元官网网址� think wilted lettuce, sprouted potatoes and other leftovers B次元官网网址� accounted for 63 per cent of all organics sent to the landfill.

Over the course of a year, it adds up to a lot of . It also accounts for a hefty chunk of the household budget B次元官网网址� more than $1,300 per year for the average Canadian household!

So, how can we stop throwing good food in the garbage B次元官网网址� and show our support for our dedicated farmers and producers? The CRD offers:

1. Start with a plan. Love Food Hate Waste Canada notes that successful meal planning doesnB次元官网网址檛 require hours spent with a cookbook. B次元官网网址淪tart with your go-to meals. Repeat them every week or two. Then, if youB次元官网网址檙e up for it, toss in something new every once in a while.B次元官网网址� Need a few new ideas for those fridge and pantry staples? Check out for storing, saving and cooking with some of your favourite ingredients!
2. Go fresh first. Use perishables earlier in the week B次元官网网址� some fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer than others, so can be left for later in the week, along with frozen ingredients. Leftover local squash or kale from MondayB次元官网网址檚 harvest salad? Throw them in a hearty soup or stew for WednesdayB次元官网网址檚 lunch.
3. Store properly. Choosing the right storage methods will help your ingredients last longer, keeping them fresh for your next recipe and out of the compost. While a breathable bag in the low-humidity fridge drawer is the best place to store your Saanich Peninsula-grown apples, for example, bananas do best on the countertop or in the pantry.
4. Engage the kids. Start by feeding kids the same food that you eat, offering smaller portions to minimize waste B次元官网网址� thereB次元官网网址檚 always time for seconds! Visit a local farm to see B次元官网网址渁griculture in action,B次元官网网址� and enjoy a family U-pick outing to pick some of their lunchbox faves.
5. Home for the holidays. Many of us celebrate the holidays with festive treats and delicious meals B次元官网网址� but not all this food gets eaten. Save food (and money) this holiday season by using up all your groceries, from planning to serving to using up leftovers.

For more ways to combat food waste in your kitchen, visit