This month highlights the need for sustainability and food security efforts in our communities and around the world. On October 16th, we observe World Food Day, which raises awareness about global hunger, nutrition, and poverty. October 29th is Sustainability Day, an international celebration of environmental awareness and stewardship. It serves as a helpful reminder to care for our environment and support efforts to promote sustainability.
Reducing food waste is a key aspect of sustainable living. Wasted food equals wasted resources and more greenhouse gas emissions, both of which harm our planet’s health — and the health of humankind.
As nurses, we promote health and well-being for all, making us natural champions of sustainability. We can lead the movement to reduce food waste by making small changes in our own lives that have a big impact — both at home and on the planet.
Over this 10 day challenge, you’ll learn effective food storage tips, techniques, and hacks that significantly decrease food waste.
Though this challenge ended on October 24, 2025, we invite to try it on your own with a friend or colleague. Ready to flex your sustainability muscles? Get Started here.
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How are you doing in the challenge?
Doing great
The assessment/survey at the beginning made me realize how I need to improve my daily nutrition. Often times, I get so focused on the physical aspect of health (running/work outs) but I do not feel like I do as good a job at making sure I am fueling my body. This challenge gives me ways to better store, preserve, and promote eating fruits and veggies!
Learning how to properly store food is great for reducing waste while keeping them fresh!
I honestly had no idea fruits and veggies needed to be stored a certain way to preserve them. We just assume the fridge means they will last longer when we might actually be doing the opposite. I am going to go home and go through my fruit bowl on the table and veggie drawer in the fridge and see where I can improve to make the food last longer.
Great tips on how to preserve fruits and vegetables.
It is so important to preserve food to prevent waste and have items last longer Deb Stuart RN
I am looking forward to this challenge. I am curious to see just in fact how much food we waste in our household. We dont even realize we are doing it but now that I have to truly focus on it I am looking forward to the outcome. This will help me to be more mindful of food i buy and cook and how much.
Let’s do this!
I will serve small portion meals. I will only buy what needed for a few days, fruits like strawberries, blueberries. I will wash them with vinegar and water, packed them in sealed bags. They will last longer .
Any advice? I have signed up for this Challenge but am not receiving the daily texts with content. ANA help desk is unable to assist. Where is everyone receiving the daily challenge posts?
@ErinCoffee there was a delay with messages going out. Day 1 has posted. Here is the link: https://engage.healthynursehealthynation.org/blogs/27/5297