Save Money, Eat Well, and Waste Less: Don’t Miss This Free Meal Planning Workshop at Fort Bend County Libraries
With grocery prices rising significantly over the past year, many Americans are searching for ways to stretch their food budgets while maintaining a healthy diet. In response to this need, Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) will present a program titled “Eating Well, Saving More, Wasting Less” on Saturday, February 8, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Mission Bend Branch Library, located at 8421 Addicks Clodine Road.
Ryan Gant, a nutritionist with Fort Bend County Health & Human Services, will lead the free program, offering actionable advice on meal planning, smart grocery shopping, and reducing food waste. Gant will also cover techniques such as reading food labels, understanding product dating, and properly storing food to maximize shelf life and minimize spoilage.
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The program comes at a critical time, as inflation has driven grocery costs up significantly over the past year. According to the USDA, food-at-home costs increased by 5.6% between December 2022 and December 2023. Prices for staples like eggs rose by 13.6%, bread by 8.9%, and dairy products by 7.4%. Rising transportation costs, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by global economic instability, have contributed to these increases, making budget-conscious shopping more important than ever.
Beyond the financial impact, food waste is another pressing issue the program aims to address. The USDA estimates that 30–40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted, amounting to approximately 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food annually. Feeding America reports that this waste equals 145 billion meals and costs over $473 billion each year. Much of this waste occurs due to over-purchasing, improper storage, and food spoilage.
“By learning how to plan meals, shop smart, and store food properly, families can save money, reduce waste, and support a more sustainable food system,” Gant explained. “These small changes can have a big impact, especially as prices continue to climb.”
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The program will also highlight how food waste affects the environment and society, including the strain on natural resources such as land and water and the missed opportunities to help families in need. Participants will leave with practical tips they can implement immediately to improve their grocery habits and reduce food waste at home.
The program is free and open to the public, and while registration is encouraged, it is not required. Interested individuals can register online at the FBCL website, fortbend.lib.tx.us, by clicking on “Classes & Events” and selecting the Mission Bend Branch Library. Alternatively, registration can be completed by calling 832-471-5900 or visiting the library in person.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
