Lona Doolan

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

If I am missing an ingredient for a recipe I will find a substitute I have on hand and use that instead.

To keep berries fresh, place them on top of a paper towel in a sealed container to absorb excess moisture and reduce chances of molding. I will properly store 3 packs of berries.

I will explore different meal plan techniques and choose one that works for my household.

I will try root-to-leaf recipes, which utilize all parts of the vegetable, such as beet greens, carrot tops, and herb stems.

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.

I will try a new method of food preservation, such as canning, pickling, drying or making jam. I will try 2 preservation techniques.

I will talk to 2 family members or friends about my experience with this challenge, food waste, and what I have learned.

I will organize my refrigerator to maximize shelf life based on the temperature and humidity of different spots.

I will watch 1 videos or documentaries to learn about the scope and scale of food waste in this country.