WiN-WiN

By recovering surplus food from farms and food producers and red

The Waste Not, Want Not (WiN-WiN) project at the University of Kentucky is a community-driven initiative designed to tackle the dual challenges of food insecurity and food waste in Kentucky.

09/10/2026

WiN-WiN is excited to welcome Bridge the Gap Lexington as one of our newest community partners. Bridge the Gap uses a mobile outreach model to connect meals and practical resources with community members facing difficult circumstances. We’re grateful for the chance to support their work by helping connect donated food with programs that can put it to use.

08/28/2026

Ugly produce is still delicious!

A few bumps, bruises, or unusual shapes don't mean fruits and vegetables aren't good to eat. Produce that looks a little different can still be just as useful and delicious in your favorite meals!

Next time you're shopping, don't overlook the oddly shaped carrot or the imperfect tomato. Choosing imperfect produce can be one small way to help reduce food waste and make the most of good food.

08/25/2026

How to get started:

-Add fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other plant-based food scraps.
-Mix in “browns” like dry leaves, shredded paper, or small pieces of cardboard.
-Keep your compost slightly moist—not soaking wet!
-Turn or mix it occasionally to help everything break down.

Before you know it, those everyday scraps can help nourish your soil and grow a healthier garden!

Check out resources from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extensiohttps://publications.mgcafe.uky.edu/sites/publications.ca.uky.edu/files/NEP-233-Growing-Your-Own-A-beginner%27s-guide-to-gardening-Composting--Remediated.pdf

08/21/2026

What happens when kids pack their own lunch?

They get more than just a packed lunch, they get a chance to build food skills, practice independence, and have a say in what they eat.

Research has found that children who participated in preparing a meal ate more of the healthier options than children whose parents prepared the same meal for them. They also reported feeling more positive and more in control.

When kids help choose and pack their lunch, they can help identify the foods they enjoy and are less likely to waste food. Checking what comes home in the lunchbox can also help families notice what is consistently left behind and adjust what they pack next time.

With an adult's guidance, kids can practice making nutritious choices while also learning an important food-waste lesson!

08/18/2026

USE IT UP CHALLENGE: ZUCCHINI EDITION!

Got more zucchini than you know what to do with? Don’t let it go to waste! There are so many ways to turn this summer favorite into something delicious.

Try something new this week:
- Zucchini fries
- Zucchini fritters
- Zucchini pizza boats

Leave your favorite ways to use up zucchini in the comments!

08/14/2026

Sometimes the best way to reduce food waste is to get back to the basics.

Plan before you shop.
Store food the right way.
Use what you already have.

Small habits may seem simple, but they can make a big difference for your wallet, your community, and our environment. Which basic food-saving habit are you working on this week?

08/12/2026

Thank you, Jessamine County!

Because of your generosity, good food is finding its way to neighbors who need it, rather than going to waste. Every donation, big or small, helps nourish our community while reducing food waste.

Together, we're proving that small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who has donated and helped support local families. We couldn't do it without you!

Let's keep the momentum going and continue turning surplus food into hope for our community. 🌱

08/11/2026

A little behind-the-scenes look at community in action!

We have the opportunity to work with the Family Food Center at Bethel Harvest Church. From organizing and preparing food to working alongside other volunteers, every part of the process helps make a difference.

We’re thankful for the opportunity to support a community partner and be part of the work happening to help our neighbors!

08/07/2026

A little planning before you shop can go a long way!

Before heading to the store, take a few minutes to check your fridge, pantry, and freezer. See what you already have, make a simple meal plan, and create a list based on what you actually need. Don’t forget to check your schedule, if you know you’ll be busy or eating away from home, you may not need as much fresh food that week.

Planning ahead can help prevent duplicate purchases, reduce forgotten food, and make it easier to use the groceries you bring home. It can also save you time and money!

08/05/2026

From orchard to community kitchen 🍎 Last week, WiN-WiN had the chance to join Glean Kentucky to learn more about the gleaning process firsthand while picking apples at Reed Valley Orchard that were headed to Cane Kitchen in Whitesburg. We’re always excited to learn more about food recovery in action and how we can help reduce waste across the food system.

Address

Lexington, KY

Website

http://winwin.ca.uky.edu/

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