Small Steps, Big Impact: How BallyCara reduces Food Waste

International Food Loss and Waste Awareness Day is a global initiative dedicated to highlighting the significant impact of food waste on our environment and communities.

The theme for this year, "Stop Food Loss and Waste. For the People. For the Planet." emphasises the importance of addressing this critical issue.

Food loss and waste is a complex problem with far-reaching consequences. It contributes to climate change, exacerbates food insecurity, and places a strain on our natural resources. Yet, by making conscious choices and adopting sustainable practices, we can significantly reduce our food waste and create a more resilient and equitable food system.

At BallyCara, we are committed to minimising food loss and waste. Our approach at the Village involves the following strategies:

• Accurate Catering Numbers: By requiring catering numbers in advance of meals and events, we ensure that we prepare only the necessary amount of food, reducing the likelihood of leftovers. This not only prevents food waste but also helps us optimise our resources and costs.
• Avoiding Over-Ordering: Our careful planning and inventory management practices enable us to avoid over-ordering food supplies. This not only reduces waste but also contributes to cost-effective operations.
• Utilising Excess Veggies: We believe that no food should go to waste. When we have excess cooked vegetables, we repurpose them into purees that are suitable for residents who require a liquid diet. This ensures that nutritious food is still able to be consumed by these residents, even if it needs to be presented in a different form.
• Offering a Variety of Portion Sizes: We recognise that individual needs and appetites vary, and it is more likely for seniors to eat less overall. By offering a variety of portion sizes, we empower residents to choose the amount of food that suits them best, reducing the likelihood of food waste.

By implementing these strategies, BallyCara is making a positive contribution to reducing food loss and waste within our community.

Below are some practical steps that you can take to reduce food waste in your home:

• Plan your meals: Create a weekly meal plan to avoid impulse purchases and reduce the risk of food going bad.
• Store food properly: Follow storage guidelines to extend the shelf life of perishable foods.
• Use leftovers creatively: Transform leftovers into delicious meals or snacks.
• Compost food scraps: Composting organic waste helps to reduce landfill waste and create nutrient-rich soil.
• Support sustainable food practices: Choose local and seasonal produce, and consider reducing your consumption of meat and dairy.

By working together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable food system that benefits both people and the planet. Let us commit to reducing food loss and waste and building a healthier future for generations to come.