Food Waste People Grocery Fruits Eslpod Reducing Reduce

The food industry, which includes restaurants, grocery stores, and "produce" (fruit and vegetable) markets, are "increasingly" (more and more) aware of food waste and feel the need to "do something about it" (address a problem in some way). Especially when many people are "going hungry" (do not have enough food to eat), wasting food seems "irresponsible" (not meeting one's obligations) and "immoral" (wrong).

In 2011, the Grocery Manufacturers Association created the Food Waste Reduction Alliance to try to reduce food waste in grocery stores and restaurants. They "take a three-pronged approach" (focus on three areas): reducing the amount of food waste that is "generated" (produced), increasing the amount of food that is donated to needy people and organizations, and recycling or "composting" (turning into soil) wasted food rather than putting it into "landfills "(large areas where garbage is dumped).

Many universities and similar institutions that have large cafeterias are "partnering" (working closely) with local organization that feed the homeless. They find safe ways for their uneaten food to be shared with people who would "not otherwise" (without it) be able to eat.

Other people and organizations focus on "consumer education" (teaching people in ways that affect their buying decisions). Americans have become "accustomed to" (used to) seeing "uniform" (all the same) sizes and shapes in the "produce section" (the part of the store where fruits and vegetables are sold), and expect "blemish-free" (without any marks or bruises) skin on fruits and vegetables. So these organizations are trying to convince American to buy and eat odd-shaped fruits and vegetables that are "nutritious" (beneficial for the body) and delicious, so that these "outcasts" (things that are not chosen) do not have to be thrown away.