Save Food, Spend Less Challenge 2026

Hennepin County | Ramsey County | Washington County

October 1 - October 31, 2026

"Learn about sustainable living and saving money, while reducing my carbon footprint."

Hali's points

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
201 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

9.4

pounds of CO2

have been saved
UP TO

4.9

pounds

food waste prevented
UP TO

120

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

8.0

zero-waste meals

consumed

Hali's actions

Planning

Try a Food Tracking App

I will download and use an app that helps me track and manage my food.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Shopping

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.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Planning

Learn About Portion Sizes

I will observe how much my family members eat and learn how many portions will match our life stages and appetites.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Storage

Befriend My Freezer

I will freeze leftover food items or meals for later. The freezer is my food-waste-reduction friend!

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Planning

Track My Wasted Food

I will track the food that my household of 2 throws out so I can learn what we're wasting and why.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

Planning

Sign up for Fridge Check Fridays

I will sign up for Fridge Check Friday emails, sent by Hennepin County but open to everyone, to prompt me to check my fridge for food that needs to be used up and for hacks on storing food to keep it fresh.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Storage

Deciphering Date Labels

I will learn about food labels and not throw food out just based on the date on the package, but instead check the smell and color to see if it has gone bad.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Follow Bloggers and Influencers

I will follow 2 bloggers and influencers to get continuous tips and reminders that I can add to my lifestyle to waste less food.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Storage

Learn About Food Storage

I will learn about food storage and store food based on best practices to keep it from spoiling before it is used.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Storage

Properly store meat

I will store 3 meat item(s) properly to ensure that they don't go bad before I can eat them.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Participant Feed

Hali Alton 10/07/2026 2:14 PM

According to the quiz I'm a "Flexible Planner", which is pretty spot on. Usually my meals consist of one or two big meals a week and those are what are eaten throughout the week. However there is rarely a plan going into the week, which does need to change and of course knowing what is in my fridge, freezer, and pantry will help a ton moving forward. I can continue to be flexible just maybe a little more organized about it.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Shopping

What can you do to make sure you never shop hungry?
Hali Alton 10/07/2026 1:59 PM

Eat before leaving the house. Not only will this ensure not wasting food but help the big stomach aspect. Or eat lunch prior to hitting the grocery store, not after.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Planning

What did you find you are tossing the most? How can you change your habits to avoid wasting this food?
Hali Alton 10/01/2026 11:24 AM

Fruit and leftovers. Leftovers were not enough to make a meal from but my dogs could have eaten those. Fruit was given to me by someone else. Freshness was unknown. Could have given to the wildlife behind my house or tried to revive.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community

What type of content is most engaging for you to follow?
Hali Alton 10/01/2026 9:40 AM

Tips for saving food/money and healthy meal options.

Read More