Five Anti-Waste Tips for Grocery Shopping!

With grocery prices rising in recent years, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of the food we waste. Beyond the significant environmental impact of food waste, it’s estimated that the average Canadian household throws away the equivalent of $1,300 per year! So where do we start to reduce food waste as much as possible? It all begins at the grocery store!

Before You Go

• Take Inventory: It’s essential to check what you already have in your fridge or freezer before heading to the store. Not only does this prevent you from buying duplicates, but it can also inspire meal ideas! (Inventory tool)
• Plan Your Meals: Plan about four meals, depending on how many you’ll eat at home during the week, and leave room for 1–2 “whatever’s left” meals or unexpected ones (like surprise guests or a last-minute dinner out). Check your fridge/freezer inventory and the current IGA flyer to save money! Then make a list of what you’re missing—being well-prepared makes it easier to stick to your list. (Meal planning tool)
  P.S. Try not to go grocery shopping on an empty stomach—it’s much easier to give in to tempting items when you’re hungry!

While Shopping

• Choose Formats That Fit Your Reality: That big discounted bag of apples might not be worth it if you don’t have the time or energy to cook or preserve some of them.
• Opt for “Ugly” Fruits and Vegetables: We tend to avoid less attractive produce, but their appearance shouldn’t stop us from choosing them! They taste just as good, and by picking them, you help prevent them from ending up in the compost.
• Check Expiration Dates: When buying fresh products, it’s best to choose items with the furthest expiration date—especially if you’re not planning to eat them right away.

A Food Fight article presented by Jour de la Terre