Image by Speedy McVroom from Pixabay
by Carie Moore
It’s surreal that as we celebrate National Ag Week, restaurants and bars are closed to dining room seating and take out/drive through/delivery is the only option. Many are closed due to low business and struggling sales. It’s been over a week since I had any food that I haven’t cooked and I spent $100 more when I went grocery shopping early last week.
It’s difficult to write about food waste when so many people are struggling for food due to decreased finances, diminished lunch programs in some areas, and other factors that have been impacted by COVID-19. What gives me hope is that through this all we have had our eyes opened to the value of food in our nation and across the world. Imports, exports, biosecurity, closed borders all reflect how much food, food products, and by products are crucial each and every day. Supply and demand and rationing have enlightened many that didn’t think about it on a daily basis.
After we come out of this, the awareness of many things will be fresh in our minds. I hope food is one of them because of what we have seen and encountered. Another big way we can impact the food waste issue is one my family practices. We go to buffets most of the time when we go out as a family. It’s convenient, cost effective, and the variety is there for each person. About a month ago we were at one and they brought us something we ordered to be added to the pizza buffet, a special request (you know me and my thin crust taco pizza) and I told the kids, “Only take a piece. If you’re not sure you can go back up and get another piece if you do want it.” The server commented she hadn’t heard that in a while and wished more parents said that to their kids. I took it as a compliment, but it was also a, “Wait! What?” moment. That’s not something parents tell their kids anymore? In North Dakota? They’ve always been told it’s a buffet, you can go back and get more.…I I would rather have them wash another plate instead of throwing your extra food in the trash. I encourage you to start practicing that if you don’t’ already and make sure your kid’s’ friends that come with you sometimes also are encouraged of that.
When we do go to restaurants, some places serve more than they are in the mood to eat that day, so we always ask for a to-go box. Nine times out of 10 any kid is going to say in 20 minutes after you leave or eat, “I’m hungry!” Viola, there’s the snack! If not, the dog will eat it. I have also learned this trick at home. If we have supper items left over, I combine them to one plate or pan and with the 50 trips to the kitchen between supper and bedtime, it’s usually all gone. They see it, they eat it. This way they aren’t digging for snacks or unnecessary sugar.
If you bring the leftovers home or if you have leftovers no one eats, there are two other unique ways to get rid of them. Some things like fruits and veggies are great for chickens, pigs, goats, bunnies, birds, and other animals you may have. If you garden, a compost bin or barrel is a great way to get rid of even more things like coffee grounds and filters or things of that nature.
When we he had pigs, we helped out a local cafe. We gave them 5-gallon buckets with lids and they would add lettuce, tomatoes, bread, buns, carrot, potato, and cucumber peelings, and other foods that we could give to our pigs as treats that they would normally throw out. This also worked well for when the pigs got out! We would bring those buckets and they would come running and snorting back to the barn.
The slogan for Ag Day rings true, “Food Brings Everyone to the Table.” Whether socially, nutritionally, and hopefully daily, we need food and we need those people around us to share our lives with. Family meal time is when we talk and share about our day, no matter if it’s at home, a restaurant, a grandparent’s home, or the combine cab. It’s important to value food, farms, and our families, especially as we navigate through this time of isolation.
Make your table the most important place of the day. What’s on your table and who’s around your table are vital to each of us and to who we are and who we become as individuals and as families.
Carie is a mom and farmer from the Rock Lake, N.D. area. She represents District 4 on the NDFB Promotion and Education Committee.