Give Thanks, Not Waste: Simple Ways to Reduce Food Waste This Thanksgiving

No holiday brings families together around food quite like Thanksgiving. From turkey and dressing to pies and casseroles, it’s a feast we look forward to all year. But with all that abundance comes something else: a lot of waste.

In fact, food is the number one item Americans throw away each year — and the holiday season tends to be when we waste the most. That’s why SCDES is encouraging South Carolinians to take small, thoughtful steps to reduce food waste and support neighbors in need this Thanksgiving.

Plan Ahead to Save Money — and Reduce Waste

“One of the easiest and most effective things you can do to limit food waste and save yourself money is to plan ahead,” said Savannah Murray, Coordinator of SCDES’s Don’t Waste Food SC campaign.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or bringing a dish to a gathering, one thing makes a huge difference: know your head count. Cooking for 10? Preparing for 25? Planning the right portions means less food left uneaten.

Savannah also recommends keeping reusable containers on hand. “Bring containers so guests can take home leftovers,” she said. It’s a small step that helps reduce waste and sends everyone home happy.

Smart Tips for a Less-Waste Thanksgiving

Here are a few simple ways to make your holiday more sustainable:

✔ Do a head count.
The more accurate your guest list, the better you can plan for meals — and the fewer leftovers you’ll have to toss.

✔ Check your pantry first.
Before buying more ingredients, look through what you already have in your pantry or freezer. You might be surprised by what you can use.

✔ Know your menu.
Make a plan for each dish and shop with purpose. Avoid impulse buys and stick to what you truly need.

✔ Use reusable containers.
Skip the plastic wrap and foil when storing leftovers. Reusable containers reduce waste and can even double as a small holiday gift for your guests.

✔ Compost what you can.
When food can’t be reused or donated, composting is a great alternative. Composting improves soil health, supports native plants, and reduces the need for fertilizers. Visit des.sc.gov/composting for helpful composting tips.

Donate What You Don’t Need

While prepared leftovers can’t be donated to food banks, unopened, non-perishable foods can make a big difference for families experiencing food insecurity.

“Donating extra food to a local pantry is one of the best ways to keep good food out of the trash,” Murray said. “There’s no bigger win for your community or the environment.”

Find food donation locations and helpful guidelines at des.sc.gov/dwfsc.

Don’t Forget About Cooking Oil

Thanksgiving meals often mean lots of frying, roasting, and sautéing. But remember — never pour cooking fats, oils, or grease down the drain. They can cause serious plumbing problems in your home and your community.

Instead, recycle used cooking oil. A list of local drop-off sites is available at des.sc.gov/recycleheresc.