How Thanksgiving Feasts Become a $550 Million Food Waste Crisis
Food waste increases during large celebrations, with millions of pounds discarded after events like Thanksgiving. In the US alone, hosts throw away between 316 and 320 million pounds of food each year, costing nearly $550 million. Simple steps, from smart storage to creative cooking, can significantly reduce this waste.
Most Thanksgiving hosts prepare far more food than guests can eat. Over 90% admit to cooking extra, often leading to leftovers that end up in the bin. The average household already wastes around 6 pounds of edible food each week, a figure that spikes during holiday feasts.
With a few practical changes, households can drastically cut food waste after big meals. Proper storage, freezing, and creative recipes turn leftovers into fresh dishes instead of rubbish. These small adjustments also save money and resources, making celebrations more sustainable in the long run.
