Dufferin County is calling on residents to be FoodWise this fall.

“The average Canadian household throws away about $125 worth of food per month,” says Melissa Kovacs Reid, Manager, Waste Services at Dufferin County. “Most of this food waste consists of healthy fruits and vegetables that could have been eaten. We’re calling on our community to be FoodWise this fall by learning how to store your produce so that you waste less food in your household and save more money in the process!”

Here are storage tips from the County for the top six produce items that go to waste:

Apples
Store apples in the fridge and keep them separate from other fruits and vegetables.

Bananas
Leave bananas on the counter. Keep them away from other fruits and vegetables.

Cucumbers
Store cucumbers in the fridge and place them in a crisper drawer set to high humidity. It’s best to store them loose.

Grapes
Grapes are best stored in the fridge. Place them in a sealed container and only wash them when you’re ready to eat them.

Lettuce
Keep lettuce in the fridge. Make sure to remove any bands and ties. Place it in a container lined with a damp towel before putting it in the fridge.

Potatoes
Store potatoes in a cupboard or pantry. Keep them loose or put them in a mesh bag. Keep them separate from onions.

Download the Produce Storage Guide for more tips on how to store a variety of fruits and vegetables to help them last longer!

The Plan to Save, Reduce Food Waste campaign can help households waste less food, save more money and eat healthier in the process. Check out the campaign at www.dufferincounty.ca to learn more!

Follow Dufferin Waste on Facebook and X and download the Dufferin Waste App on your Apple or Android device.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Ball, Manager of Communications
mball@dufferincounty.ca