When we look at the United States, we have the tendency to only look at its positive attributes. We look at the big cars, big houses, and large metropolitan cities with many opportunities to be successful. However, there is a darker “big” that is not as highly emphasized. It is food waste in the restaurant industry.The amount of food in our country that becomes waste demonstrate two things. One is that we have an excess of food. Secondly. it shows our apathetic attitude towards the food waste problem.
In this article, I have written 3 ways for businesses to reduce food waste.
Evaluate Restaurant Refrigerators(Both Raw and Uncooked)
One of the most simple ways to reduce food waste is to look in your fridge to see what you currently have in stock. If you buy a product and did not realize you had it in your fridge, you are wasting both money and adding more waste to our environment. According to a study done by the Swag USA, the United States throws away $165 billion of food each year and 40% of the food is wasted in the United States per year.
Instead of adding to these statistics, look to see how your food items are selling. From there, you will be able to decipher whether it is worth investing resources into certain goods. Apart from tracking products in your refrigerator, evaluate to see if the appliances are functioning properly. By checking your refrigerators, you will be able to operate your business in a more efficient manner and will be able to better monitor your business’s energy output.
If you do have waste, do not panic. Food waste can be used to help power our environment.
Set Realistic Business Expectations
In order to set company expectations, it is important to deeply analyze the state of your business. In addition to Swag USA, the New York Times discovered that 8% of food is wasted at the retail level in the regions of North America and Oceania. From this national percentage, you will be able to create a plan of action and set realistic business goals. For example, if you own a small restaurant and you want to de $3 million in sales, this may be not feasible because you may not have the space or buying power of products needed for your dishes. Instead, buy what you will need until the next order date to reduce your food waste output.
Donate to those in need
Although we live in a country that has an excess of food, there are those who do not have any food to eat. As of the year 2016, 12.7% of Americans live in poverty. To help alleviate the issue of food security in the United States, those living in poverty must have access to food that is healthy. Not only is their an incentive of cutting costs for your business, but also you allow yourself and your business to be a positive influence in the community.
To confront the issue of food waste, we must first understand what we currently own. From there, we can set realistic expectations and donate to those in need. Controlling food waste is smart business. By doing smart business, you are establishing a caring community that will allow others to live safely and healthfully.
