Valley travelers: Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore the kitchen before departing

Tonia Smith

Submitted photo

Arizona holds the unfortunate title of the worst state for food waste in the U.S. Much of this waste is preventable with mindful practices like strategic grocery shopping, smarter food storage and better planning. An average family of four can lose over $1,500 a year in discarded food.”

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With Arizona temperatures firmly in triple digits, many residents are utilizing every opportunity to escape the intense heat and head to cooler destinations. While booking hotels and packing bags are obvious travel preparation steps, there is one important task that often gets overlooked: cleaning out your kitchen.

Taking a few minutes to tidy up and organize your fridge and pantry before departure can save you from returning to unpleasant odors, spoiled food and unnecessary waste. Your post-vacation self will thank you.

Before you hit the road, add these to your to-do list:

1. Reduce grocery purchases early

Avoid your usual weekly grocery haul in the days leading up to your trip. Instead, take stock of what you already have. “Shopping your kitchen” first helps you rediscover forgotten items and prioritize those close to expiration. You’ll not only reduce food waste but also free up extra spending money for your trip.

2. Eat what you have

Be strategic about your meals before you leave. Check your fridge, pantry and countertops for perishables and expired items. Can you make a pasta salad using that half-empty jar of olives and those tomatoes on the edge? Getting creative with what’s already in your kitchen can be fun and budget friendly.

3. Clean and organize

Toss anything that’s gone bad, wipe down surfaces and organize your fridge so that remaining items are visible and easy to access. This also helps reduce the chances of mold and pests showing up while you’re gone.

4. Adjust refrigerator settings

Once your fridge is organized, ensure it’s set to the optimal temperature — between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the refrigerator and 0 degrees for the freezer. This will keep any remaining items safe and fresh during your time away without the risk of freezing items unintentionally.

Arizona holds the unfortunate title of the worst state for food waste in the U.S. Much of this waste is preventable with mindful practices like strategic grocery shopping, smarter food storage and better planning. An average family of four can lose over $1,500 a year in discarded food.

By taking small steps daily, you can help contribute to a larger solution. Labeling food with expiration dates, rotating older items to the front of shelves and only buying what you realistically plan to use are habits that can reduce waste long-term.

Whether your getaway lasts a weekend or a week, prepping your kitchen before you leave is an easy, impactful way to cut down on food waste and ensure a smoother return. A little effort now means no foul fridge surprises later and a kitchen ready for your next home-cooked meal.

Editor’s note: Tonia Smith is development manager for Waste Not, a Scottsdale-based nonprofit that rescues surplus perishable food for distribution by nonprofit partners Valleywide. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.