We save a lot of money, because we have smart ways to handle food. This is how my family does.

	Meal plans	My mom makes a weekly meal plan with a shopping list, so we only buy what we really need. We stick to shopping once a week, so nothing has a chance to spoil.
	Leftovers	Sometimes we don’t finish all the food we make—no big deal! We just heat it up for dinner, and my mom even gets creative, like turning leftover veggies into a tasty soup.
	Portion Size	When we eat, we start with smaller portions and go back for more if we’re still hungry. That way, we don’t end up tossing food from our plates.
	Expiration Date	Some stuff like salt or sugar lasts a long time, but things like tomatoes go bad quicker. So we make sure to use up the things that won’t last as long first.
	Food Preservation	We also use tricks to save food that’s getting close to spoiling. For example, if tomatoes are about to go bad, we dry them for later. And if milk is close to expiring, we turn it into yogurt. I think it’s fun to see what we can come up with!

• How much food ends up in the bin at your home? A lot, a little, or none?
• Does your family do meal planning to keep food waste low? Why? Why not?
• What kinds of meals does your family plan most often?
• Do you think it helps with saving money?
• Do you have any ways to use up leftovers?
• Do you sometimes make a new meal from leftover ingredients?
• How do you keep food fresh longer in your home?
• Do you have a fridge at home? What do you keep in it?
• Are there any foods you preserve yourself at home, like making homemade yogurt or drying fruits?