Words on Wellness

Guest Column
By: 
Kelsey Salow
Human Sciences Specialist, ISU Extension & Outreach

Labels Lead to Food Waste

     Many Americans throw away perfectly good food due to label confusion. This contributes to 398,000 tons of food waste each year.

     “Best buy” labels indicate when the manufacturer believes the food should be used for best quality, NOT food safety.

     “Use by” and “sell by” dates are similar for shelf stable foods. These dates tend to reflect quality, NOT food safety.

     However, “use by” and “sell by” dates on refrigerated items do indicate when the food may begin to spoil. Don’t use refrigerated foods that are past the “use by” or “sell by” date. If a food product is nearing the indicated date, you may be able to freeze it to extend its life.

Budget Friendly Summer Activities

     Being active is great for your mental and physical health.

     The 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends getting 150 minutes of activity every week, or about 30 minutes daily.

     Summertime is the perfect time to move your body more while enjoying the sunshine.

     Try these budget-friendly ways to be active outside:

     • Enjoy a bike ride

     • Go for a walk around your neighborhood or at a nearby park

     • Go swimming

     • Go to a local farmers market

     • Have a picnic at a park with your family

     • Plant a vegetable garden or flower bed

     • Play lawn games (bags/corn hole, horse shoes, ladder toss, etc.) with friends, family, and neighbors      

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