Reduce Food Waste: What Can I Do?

Food waste is a growing environmental and social challenge—yet much of it is preventable if we adjust our systems and daily habits. In the U.S., millions of pounds of perfectly edible food are discarded each day while many individuals and families face food insecurity. The good news is that small, everyday actions can make a meaningful impact. From smarter shopping to community partnerships, diverting food from landfills helps conserve resources, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and nourish people instead of trash bins

Why This Matters Now

Efforts to reduce waste continue to expand across workplaces and communities. Compass Group’s Stop Food Waste Day has grown into a major awareness initiative, and in 2025 it became the company’s largest global campaign—mobilizing teams, clients, and guests around education, food recovery, and measurable waste reduction. The campaign shows how collective action—from professional kitchens to households—can significantly cut waste while improving food access. Here are some ways we all can contribute to a more sustainable planet:

Rescue Food Through Apps and Community Programs

Technology has made food recovery easier than ever. The Too Good To Go app connects consumers with restaurants, bakeries, and markets selling surplus food at a reduced cost. Users purchase a “surprise bag” of safe, unsold food at the end of the day—saving money while preventing waste. Volunteering with local food rescue groups is another powerful option. Many organizations rely on volunteers to transport surplus food from businesses to community members in need. Even a short shift can redirect dozens of meals from landfills to people’s plates.

Restaurant Associates Food Recovery Partners

Restaurant Associates works with organizations dedicated to getting excess food to people who need it most, including New York Common Pantry, Goodr, Food Rescue US, and Rescuing Leftover Cuisine. These partnerships ensure safe, high-quality food feeds people—not landfills—while strengthening local communities and reducing environmental impact.

Shop Smarter to Waste Less

Many food waste problems start before food even enters the kitchen. Plan before you shop by checking your fridge and pantry, making a realistic weekly meal plan, and sticking to a list. Understand date labels: “best by” usually refers to quality, not safety, and many foods remain safe beyond the printed date when stored properly. Choose flexible ingredients that can stretch across meals, such as rotisserie chicken for tacos, salads, and soup, or roasted vegetables for grain bowls, omelets, and wraps.

Meal Prep With a Purpose

A little preparation prevents a lot of waste. Batch-cook basics like grains, vegetables, and proteins. Store food in clear containers so nothing gets forgotten. Freeze extras such as soups, sauces, and bread. Use the FIFO rule (First In, First Out) to prioritize older items first.

The Takeaway

Reducing food waste conserves water, energy, farmland, and labor—while also helping address hunger. Whether you participate in Stop Food Waste Day, download a rescue app, volunteer locally, or plan meals more intentionally, every action counts. Food is valuable. With awareness and small daily habits, we can make sure more of it fulfills its purpose: nourishing people, not landfills.