Nov 21, 20232 min read

Love, Leftovers

Updated: Nov 22, 2023

Hey Friends,

According to ReFED, Americans will waste 312 million pounds of food this Thanksgiving. You can do a lot to cut down on food waste this year by following these simple tips from our experts at Hamilton County ReSource.

Shop with Purpose:

Plan your menu.
Visit the Holiday Portion Planning Guide.
Make a shopping list.
Shop your pantry.
Buy only what you need.

Serve Good Food:

Turkey: thaw your turkey on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth and cross-contamination.
Gravy: After you cook your turkey, use the drippings in the pan to make a delicious gravy. Boil 2-3 cup of drippings, 1 cup of stock or water, and ½ cup of flour until thickened.
Mashed Potatoes: use the whole potato! The skin of potatoes contains vital nutrients and plenty of fiber which can make your mashed potatoes a little healthier.
Pumpkin Pie: is a holiday tradition. If you make your pie from fresh pumpkins - save, clean, season, and roast the seeds in the oven at 350*F for 15 minutes. They make a tasty salad topping.

Store Leftovers Safely:

Pack leftovers in shallow, clear containers within two hours of serving to slow bacterial growth and make it easier to reheat later.
- Store sides like mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one week or freeze for more than six months.
- Store meat on or off the bone for up to four days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. (*If removing meat from the bone, wash your hands first.)
Make Stock by adding vegetable scraps, peels, and/or bones to a pot of boiling water. Then strain and save the stock in the freezer for later use.
Upcycle leftovers like cranberry sauce into breakfast bars, meatballs, or muffins, or get creative with your own recipe! You can store the sauce in your refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Share the Bounty:

Share leftovers with friends and family, especially those who may not be able to come to your holiday celebrations.
Invite extended family or neighbors to enjoy sandwiches during your holiday break.
Compost inedible scraps. You can sign up for a food scrap collection service or compost in your backyard. (*Note: composting meat is not generally recommended in backyard compost. If using a food scrap collection service, check with your hauler before composting meat.)