local
The $3,000 problem hiding in your kitchen
By Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· June 24, 2026
· 5 min read
Americans throw away $3,000 in groceries a year, double what we thought, mostly produce that never made it to the plate. Photo credit: Depositphotos
By Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju
A family of four wastes nearly $3,000 worth of food every year. That figure, released in an April 2025 U.S. Environmenta...
Key takeaway Photo credit: Depositphotos By Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju A family of four wastes nearly $3,000 worth of food every year.
Why this matters in The Odessa
For Odessa residents, the staggering $3,000 annual cost of food waste hits close to home, particularly given the city's reliance on the agriculture industry in the Permian Basin. As summer produce season gets underway, local farmers markets and grocery stores will be filled with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, making it easier to overbuy and contribute to the problem. The EPA's report suggests that preventing food waste could lead to significant cost savings, especially when it comes to meat and dairy products. Odessa households can take a cue from this report and make a conscious effort to plan meals, shop wisely, and use up leftovers to reduce their own food waste. By doing so, they can not only save money but also support local farmers and reduce the environmental impact of food production and disposal in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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What is this story about? Americans throw away $3,000 in groceries a year, double what we thought, mostly produce that never made it to the plate. Photo credit: Depositphotos
By Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju
A family of four wastes nearly $3,000 worth of food every year. That figure, released in an April 2025 U.S. Environmenta...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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