Hannaford dietitians offer tips, strategies for reducing food waste in home kitchens this Earth Month

For Immediate Release                                                                                
April 1, 2024

 

 Hannaford dietitians offer tips, strategies for reducing food waste in home kitchens this Earth Month

 

 Earth Month and National Food Waste Prevention Week kick off on April 1

 

Scarborough, Maine– Registered dietitians at Hannaford Supermarkets are sharing simple tips and strategies for reducing food waste at home this Earth Month and National Food Waste Prevention Week, which both begin on Monday, April 1.

 

About one-third of all food in the U.S. goes uneaten and approximately 96% of food waste ends up in landfills, combustion facilities or down the sink drain, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

 

“Reducing food waste plays a powerful role in preserving the long-term health and sustainability of our communities,” said Mary LaVanway, Registered Dietitian at Hannaford Supermarkets. “Earth Month is the perfect time to explore easy ways to reduce food waste in home kitchens, and we’re excited to share strategies with customers looking to make healthier choices for themselves and the environment.”

 

Hannaford dietitians developed the following tips and guidance for preventing food waste at home:

-Make a plan and stick to it: Plan weekly meals and shopping lists carefully and realistically, and buy only the ingredients those meals require.

-Be creative with leftovers and nextovers: Think about how to reinvent leftover dishes into new creations that taste and feel fresh.

-Food storage matters: Understand the best ways to store perishable items to maximize shelf life and flavor.

-Explore the pantry: Incorporate forgotten items and ingredients that may be tucked away in the pantry or cupboard.

-Understand dates: Know the difference between expiration, best-by, use-by and sell-by dates to helpplan meals and maximize freshness.

-Think nutrition and convenience: Take advantage of grab-and-go options such as pre-cut fruits and veggies or individually packaged snacks that increase convenience and help portion meals.

-Take another look at past prime produce: Find a second life for past prime fruits and veggies in soups, stews or baked goods.

 

Hannaford shoppers have free access to a team of more than 30 dietitians in over 50 stores, as well as online. Dietitians provide free nutrition education, help shoppers identify nutritious meal ideas, and teach customers about shopping strategies for eating healthy on a budget or for specific dietary needs, such as heart disease or diabetes. The program celebrated its 20^th anniversary in 2022.

 

Hannaford is a leader in reducing waste and protecting the environment. Since 2021, Hannaford stores have diverted or donated all food at risk of going to waste – sending no food to landfills. Hannaford was the first large-scale supermarket retailer in New England and New York to mark this achievement at every store.  In 2023, Hannaford donated 26 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations.

 

For more information about the Hannaford registered dietitian program, visit www.Hannaford.com/Dietitians.

 

About Hannaford Supermarkets

Hannaford Supermarkets operates 187 stores in the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Stores are located in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. All are committed to offering great fresh food, convenient experiences and everyday low prices. Hannaford also is an active and committed community partner—focusing on fighting hunger, supporting youth development, and helping people live healthier lives. Hannaford is an industry leader in sustainability with a strong commitment to reducing waste and protecting the environment. Hannaford diverts or donates all food at risk of going to waste—sending no food to landfills. In 2023, Hannaford donated 26 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations. Hannaford employs nearly 30,000 associates and is based in Scarborough, Maine. Additional information can be found at Hannaford.com.

 

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Media Contact:

Caitlin Cortelyou

External Communications Manager, Hannaford Supermarkets

207-885-3132

caitlin.cortelyou@hannaford.com