Food waste is a pressing issue in the UK and while it's no secret that every business creates waste, it's how we manage and reduce it that truly makes a difference. Food waste not only harms the environment but also directly impacts your bottom line.
With food industry costs on the rise, it's crucial to implement strategies to minimise waste. As a large supplier of food, drink and packaging to the hospitality and food service sectors, we understand the importance of running a sustainable operation.
3 ways to fight food waste in the kitchen:
1. Track Waste
Does your kitchen keep a waste log? Tracking the food discarded on a daily or weekly basis is essential for identifying patterns and pinpointing items that may be over-ordered or no longer in demand. For instance, in school kitchens, waste logs might reveal that certain fruit or vegetables aren't being consumed as expected, indicating the need for adjustment in portion sizes or recipes.
By monitoring food waste, you can gain valuable insights that allow you to tweak your menu and reduce unnecessary waste.
2. Re-purpose leftovers creatively
Leftover ingredients or prepared food items can often be repurposed into new meals. Do example, vegetables can be transformed into soups, stock or sauces. In care homes, this can ensure that residents receive varied and nutritious meals whilst minimising food waste.
Pubs and restaurants can also get creative by using scraps or unsold items - such as turning unused bread into croutons or creating small tapas-style portions from leftover ingredients to be served as side dishes.
3. Composting and recycling
Implementing a composting process in your kitchen is an excellent way to recycle unavoidable food waste, such as peelings, core and vegetable trimmings. By diverting these scraps from landfill, you can create nutrient-rich compost that benefits the environment. In addition, composting only the scraps allows you to identify the amount of food that is still usable and could be incorporated into dishes, helping to reduce waste and make the most of your ingredients.
Promoting composting efforts, particularly in school kitchens, is also a valuable opportunity to teach students about sustainability and the importance of reducing waste.
As well as composting, managing waste oil responsibly is another crucial step in sustainable operations. Our waste oil collection service helps businesses recycle used cooking oil, ensuring it doesn't go to waste and supports eco-friendly practices. Learn more here and sign up today.
