Save Food, Spend Less Challenge 2026

"My mission is to be more aware in what food is being wasted in my everyday life. I want to educate my friends and family about this occurring problems of wasting tons and tons of food. I think during the month of October we can help save a lot! "

Frances's points

35 TODAY
75 THIS WEEK
346 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

2.0

conversations

with people
UP TO

12

pounds of CO2

have been saved
UP TO

5.9

pounds

food waste prevented
UP TO

2.0

advocacy actions

completed

Frances's actions

Community

Send it Down the Grape Vine

I will talk to 4 family members or friends about my experience with this challenge, food waste, and what I have learned.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Keep all food out of the garbage

In addition to using up my edible food, I will separate and compost my food scraps using backyard composting, curbside pickup, or a drop-off program.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Storage

Make Smoothies

I will freeze fruits and veggies, such as overripe bananas or avocados, to use later in smoothies.

COMPLETED 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Community

Order Half-Portions or Share Meals

I will ask for half-portions options or share an entrée when eating out to minimize food waste.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Shopping

Stick to Your Grocery List

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

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

Shopping

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.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Planning

Try a Food Tracking App

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

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Cooking

Reimagine Leftovers

I will learn about how to repurpose my leftovers into new meals and then try it.

COMPLETED 6
DAILY ACTIONS

Participant Feed

Frances Platt 10/12/2026 6:38 PM

This challenge has really made me think about how much food has been getting thrown away and the money wasted on the food not being used. This has helped me be more mindful about my spending and what food choices I make.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Cooking

How have you modified what you do with leftovers to make sure nothing goes to waste?
Frances Platt 10/06/2026 6:19 PM

With left over meat, I make different kinds of sandwiches, quesadilla or rice bowls to make different kinds of meals!

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Frances Platt 10/01/2026 7:00 PM

One of my favorite ways to help save food and spend less is making smoothies!

Read More