Nicole Simonis

I will take a fridge and pantry inventory to stay up to date with what I have at home before I go grocery shopping.

I will watch 2 videos or documentaries to learn about the scope and scale of food waste in this country.

I will have a discussion with my 3 children about the importance of not wasting food.

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

I will reduce food waste and save money by planning a weekly menu of meals and ingredients for my household of 5.

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

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 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.

I will track the food that my household of 5 throws out so I can learn what we're wasting and why.

I will plan a meal to use up leftovers by creating a tasty smorgasbord or using a recipe that repurposes them.