Nourish to Flourish This Winter: Simple Ways to Reduce Food Waste

March is Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is "Nourish to Flourish"! This March let's reflect on how the foods we eat can support overall well-being. We can also nourish ourselves by planning meals carefully, so that food, nutrients, and resources go further.

During winter in Ottawa, cold weather and shorter days can affect how we shop, cook and plan meals. This can lead to more food waste, but a little bit of planning can help keep food fresh↗ and stretch your grocery budget.

• Choose local winter produce, like apples, root vegetables and cabbages since they have a longer shelf life.

• Use the “first in, first out” method by placing older foods at the front of the fridge.

• Store food in the right containers to keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer.

• Freeze leftovers, such as soups, meat, casseroles, or cooked grains.

• Repurpose older produce - add soft fruits in smoothies or muffins and vegetables to soups and casseroles.

Nutrition Month reminds us that we don't need to follow strict rules to eat well. Nourish to flourish means valuing food—from how we choose it to how we use it. By reducing food waste, we support our health, our budgets, and our environment—all essential ingredients for flourishing communities.

For more information and resources on healthy eating and nutrition, please visit OPH’s website↗.