329: The Leftover Problem: Why Perfectly Good Food Ends Up in the Bin

Eating at a Meeting

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6d ago 53:51

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What does a moldy orange have to do with food and beverage at your next event?

A lot, actually.

This week on Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE, I'm talking with Rachael Jackson—journalist, food-waste educator, and founder of the award-winning website EatOrToss.com—about how we can stop tossing perfectly edible food, and what that means for planning events that are not just delicious, but responsible.

Rachael has helped millions of people rethink what goes in the trash, using humor, science, and common sense. She's also helped restaurants and government agencies reimagine menus and policies to keep food out of landfills and on people's plates—where it belongs.

From too-big serving trays and buffet overkill to "just in case" stockpiles that never get eaten, we're digging into:

🥗 The simple menu swaps that reduce waste (and costs) 🍰 Why those leftover desserts shouldn't hit the dumpster ♻️ How service styles and portion sizes impact sustainability 🧾 Why transparency and storytelling matter for food choices 🥡 And why "encouraged leftovers" should be an industry standard

If you're a planner, caterer, venue, or chef trying to do food and beverage better—this is for you. Rachael's approach makes the science of spoilage approachable, and the case for change undeniable.

Whether it's one guest or a gala, every bite should matter.

331 episodes