Holidays Food Waste & Food Insecurity

This Great Idea is thanks to Vernita Kennen of Incarnation Lutheran Church (ELCA), Shoreview.

Vernita writes:

‘Your calendar, like mine, is probably already filled with holiday gatherings. Thanksgiving is upon us; holiday parties abound; Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are reasons for family gatherings; and then come New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. More than likely, each of these occasions of people coming together to celebrate will involve food.

While the food will be plentiful as well as good, what are the chances it will all be consumed? How much will even be eaten as leftovers? Have you considered a plan to do your best to prevent food waste this holiday season? As well, have you thought about how you can help insure that others in our communities will not go hungry this holiday season?

Approximately 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 5 children in Ramsey County are food insecure! Trying to be an informed member of our synod’s Care of Creation group, I subscribe to Green Ramsey’s e-newsletter. The November issue included information on food insecurity as well as food waste, something you perhaps had not thought about as part of “environmental health” in your county. Check it out here.

I suggest you subscribe to this free newsletter if you live in Ramsey County. The resources are important, helpful and often surprising. If you live in Washington, Anoka, Dakota or Chisago or another county, check to see if a similar newsletter is available specifically tailored for you. (Or just sign up for Ramsey’s County’s — you will find much of the information applies to you, too.)’

With the information provided by Ramsey County – or your own – you might inspire families and your congregation to prepare holiday gatherings with a greater awareness of how food waste connects not only to food insecurities for neighbors, but also to creation care. Simple steps can make a huge difference for vulnerable folx in your community and for the climate, as a whole!