Did you know that 1 in 6 Americans are food insecure and do not know where they will get their next meal? Compassion is all the reason to make sure you’re doing everything in your control to save food that otherwise would have gone to waste.

Hunger in America doesn’t look quite the same as it does for third world countries, but it doesn’t mean it’s non-existent. Food insecurity is defined as “the disruption of food intake or eating patterns because of lack of money and other resources.” Therefore, you don’t see emaciated children on the streets but there are people in your neighborhood that worry about where their next meal will come from. This is all the more reason to reduce your personal food waste at home. Hey, maybe you can even save enough to donate to someone in need.

How do we reduce our food waste at home? Go in with a plan. One way to reduce food waste is to plan meals before you go food shopping. You will know exactly what and how much to purchase and have an easier time sticking to only what you will definitely use.

·Explorers used watermelons as canteens.

·All melons are thought to have originated in India.

·The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt. Pictures of them can even be seen in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

·Always wash the outside of melons before cutting into them to keep them safe to eat.

·Melons often taste better if left out of the refrigerator for a few days before you cut and eat them.

·A creamy yellow spot on the underside of the watermelon indicates a watermelon full of flavor.

·Typically, honeydew melons have green flesh but there is also an orange variety called the temptation melon.

For those of you that are not fans of drinking basic water, there are a plethora of beverages and foods to help keep you hydrated. Embracing the superfood of the month and enjoying this fantastic Watermelon Cucumber & Basil Salad with Pumpkin Seeds is just one way to keep that H2O level up.

Portion: ½ cup

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups Watermelon, Cubed 1”
• 2 Tbsp Pumpkin Seeds, Hulled
• ¾ tsp Fresh Serrano Peppers, Seeded, Sliced ¼”
• ¾ cup English Cucumbers
• 1 tsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tsp Fresh Ginger Root, Grated
• 1 tsp Fresh Garlic Cloves, Chopped
• 2 tsp Fresh Lime Juice
• 2 tsp Red Wine Vinegar

Method

1. Prep all the ingredients. Toss together in a bowl. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing. Drizzle over top of the melon mixture and toss gently.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories - 70
• Total Fat - 3.5g
• Sat Fat - 0.5g
• Total Carb - 9g
• Protein - 3g
• Dietary Fiber - 1g
• Sodium - 85mg