Tips, Tricks and Tactics to Reducing Food Waste

Can you believe that approximately 40 percent of food produced in the U.S. is wasted? Food waste is central to some of the critical challenges facing the world today, including hunger and poverty, climate change, health and wellbeing, and the sustainability of agriculture and oceans.

That’s why as a global leader in foodservice, Compass Group USA created Stop Food Waste Day in 2017. As we get ready for this year’s SFWD celebrations on April 27^th, 2022, we’d like to share some ways we’re reducing food waste at Morrison Healthcare and also give you some tips on how you can help reduce food waste in your home.

How Morrison Healthcare reduces food waste

Waste Not & Waste Not 2.0 – The Waste Not tool was developed by Compass – specifically for Compass accounts – to track, measure, and reduce food waste at the unit level to save on hauling costs, production costs, and food waste. In September 2020, Morrison Healthcare began using Waste Not 2.0, which uses  kitchen-friendly technology, making it easier to track online. Through this program, we  track and report food waste at each hospital location; the tracking insights help identify opportunities for diverting food waste away from landfills.

Morrison uses predictive forecasting to prepare the right amount of food each day, however, on days where we might have food that goes uneaten, thanks to Waste Not 2.0, our hospitals now donate these items to people in need. Waste Not 2.0 also provides insight on how to avoid overproduction in the future. We encourage our associates to begin a Food Donation Program, where they can help gain control of surplus food, which helps to control food cost, run our hospital foodservice efficiently and sustainably, and deepen relationships with our community.

How you can reduce food waste at home and show your support  

Here are a few easy tips to help you get started:

1. Plan ahead and don’t overbuy!

• Use what’s in your fridge and pantry.
• Make a list before you shop.
• Plan your meals – this year Compass Group published a digital food waste cookbook, featuring recipes from 45 chefs across 30 countries. These recipes give a second life to ingredients that most commonly go to waste in home kitchens. Check it out!

2. The freezer is your friend!

• Batch-cook and freeze portions.
• Freeze bread and other leftovers.
• Label items with the date and use them in order.

3. Get creative!

• Experiment with what you have in the fridge!
• Try making bubble and squeak or colorful frittatas from leftovers.
• Use odd bits of vegetables to make wholesome soups.

4. Take the Stop Food Waste Day pledge

• Share it across your social media platforms. Make sure to tag Morrison Healthcare and Stop Food Waste Day!

A quick look back on last year’s successes

Moving the Needle: Stopping Food Waste in Hospitals	How Morrison Healthcare is Helping Hospitals Stop Food Waste
On WBTV News, Morrison Healthcare Chef Chris Hinton raids a household fridge and gives simple advice on how you can cut down on your food waste.	Atrium Health, Morrison Healthcare and Feeding Charlotte Team Up to Reduce Food Waste and Curb Food Insecurity
Morrison Healthcare Chef Chris Hinton featured On WBTV News with a low waste meatball recipe.