PORTLAND, OR -- Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality asks everyone to put a greater focus this week on preventing food waste, to protect the planet and save money.

"Food is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental problems. We know that up to 40% of the food that is grown or imported for consumption is ultimately never eaten," says DEQ Food Systems Specialist Jerin Dinkins, "We buy three bags of groceries at the store, and the amount of food that we’re wasting is equivalent to just walking to your car and dropping one of those grocery bags on the ground and never even consuming it."

Wasting food is also expensive. "Households in Oregon lose a lot of money due to food waste; up to about $1600 a year," says the DEQ's Katie Romano. That’s where Food Waste Prevention Week comes in. Romano says Oregon ranked third in the nation for participation in 2023, "A lot of our communities, both in our metro areas, as well as some of our more rural communities, these different organizations are really coming together, collaborating, connecting and creating some really unique and creative events to spread the word about food waste prevention." Dinkins says, "The goal is to raise awareness about the environmental and the economic impacts of wasted food, while also addressing food insecurity and all doing this while trying to save Oregon families money over time."

Events are planned around the state and virtually this week, where people can learn simple tips like just paying attention to what’s in your fridge and pantry. "A lot of times, those leftovers kind of get smooshed into the back and we totally forget about them; out of sight out of mind. There’s something newer, more enticing up in the front part of your refrigerator," says Romano. 

The Oregon DEQ is also hosting an online video contest for K-12 students and their teachers. Winners will receive cash prizes. Those submissions are accepted through May 10th. 

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