Shopping

Shop smart and save food

We think of food waste as something that happens at home. But really, it starts when we get that food in the first place. Here are some actions to help you buy just what you need.

Eat Before Shopping

I will resist impulse buys by eating a snack or meal before going grocery shopping. Those who grocery shop on an empty stomach spend 64% more than not-hungry shoppers.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Shopping Hungry? You'll Spend More
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DAILY ACTION
Skip the Cart

Bigger carts make us feel like we need to fill them! Use a hand basket to improve grocery store discipline and prevent over-purchasing.

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DAILY ACTION
Stick to Your Grocery List

I will only purchase the items on my grocery list and avoid impulse purchases.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Make a Grocery List

10 Best Grocery Shopping List Apps

U.S. EPA Shop with Meals in Mind grocery list
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DAILY ACTION
Scrutinize Deals

I will resist the suggestion to buy the quantity advertised on sale and only buy what I know I will eat.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Why Do Grocery Stores Have Sales?
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DAILY ACTION
Buy Loose Produce and Shop the Bulk Bins

I will buy loose produce with a reusable bag or food from the bulk section to get the exact quantity I need.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Zero Waste Guide: Kitchen Section

Stop Food Waste Shopping Tips
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DAILY ACTION
Support Imperfection

I will intentionally buy ugly produce at the grocery store, farmers market, or sign up for an ugly produce CSA box.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Imperfect Produce CSA Box Subscription

Give Love to Ugly Produce
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DAILY ACTION
Buy From A Farmers Market

I will purchase produce and meat directly from a local farmers market and make (___) meals.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Find Your Local Farm and CSA here

10 Reasons to Buy Your Fruits & Veggies at Your Local Farmer’s Market

Low-Waste Shopping at the Farmers Market
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DAILY ACTION
Source Local Foods

I will buy locally grown food from my grocery store and make (___) meal(s).
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Minnesota Grown guide to local products

Browse Local Foods by State
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DAILY ACTION
Glean or Forage

I will learn about the foods that grow locally and try gleaning or foraging.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Explore Minnesota's Great Outdoors by Foraging

USDA Let’s glean toolkit
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ONE-TIME ACTION
CREATE A CUSTOM ACTION

Ideally, you’ll choose at least one measurable goal so that you can measure your success but there are no limits on what you can choose—so exercise your creativity!

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