Table of Kindness

Recognizing Food Insecurity as a Student

• Keep track of your meals and notice if you run out of food before your next shopping trip.
• Watch for patterns of choosing low-nutrient, quick-fix foods due to budget constraints.
• Observe if your pantry or fridge often feels empty or lacks full meal options.
• Recognize feelings of stress or worry about having enough to eat.
• Notice if you rely heavily on fast food or convenience items instead of home-cooked meals.

Tips for reducing food waste

• Plan simple meals that use the same ingredients in different ways.
• Stick to a shopping list to avoid overbuying.
• Store food correctly to extend its freshness.
• Repurpose leftovers into new dishes to prevent waste.
• Freeze food you can't use immediately to extend its shelf life.
• Learn to differentiate between “best by” and “use by” dates.
• Batch cook simple meals and freeze portions for later use.
• Cook with friends or roommates to share ingredients and reduce waste.
• Donate extra non-perishable items to campus food pantries or food banks.
• Use vegetable scraps to make broth or blend overripe fruits into smoothies.

Quick tips for better food management

• Prep fruits and vegetables right after shopping for easy snacks and meals.
• Follow the “First In, First Out” rule to use older food items first.
• Label leftovers with dates to ensure they’re eaten in time.
• Start with simple recipes, like scrambled eggs with veggies or stir-fried rice.

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