by Rebecca P.
Member since:
June 21, 2008

To the Freezer it remains

October 11, 2010 10:39 AM UTC
views: 0 | 4 people recommend this | comments: 22

Maybe some other gatherers who live either by themselves or with only a spouse/child can help me on this.  I have been noticing an increasing problem in that people keep giving me food I don't want to eat or give me too much.  I'm not sure what to do with it and I freeze it, but often end up throwing it out.  I feel really bad about it, but what do I do?

 

I'm very health concious, and most of what I eat are fruits and vegtables followed by whole grains. I don't really eat a lot (that box of crackers will last me a month or more).  I don't really eat a lot of sweets (2-3 times a week) so when I make cookies for example, I make a small batch and eat 1 or 2 and toss them into the freezer or give them away.  Same way with things like gumbo or pancakes.  I know my grandmother does the same and so does my mom (though with two guys in the house it doesn't happen often).

 

When I bake for instance, I bake to give away.  I usually get chocolate around the holidays, but I still have easter candy that I don't know if I'll ever eat.  I usually end up giving away what I can, but I still end up throwing out a bit.  Does anyone else have this problem?  Do you freeze a lot of leftovers too? 

Comments: 22

Kasey Klein Oct 11, 2010, 10:47am UTC
I do not know.



.

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Sweet S. Oct 11, 2010, 10:54am UTC
The best advice I can say is to tell them, "Thank you for thinking of me, but I don't eat much and I'd hate to see this go to waste. Is there anyone else who could put this to better use?" Politely say No. If you have a particular favorite you could say (for instance) "The next time you make Chili, invite me over!" This will make them feel better about offering, and let them know what your favorite foods are at the same time.

Hope this helps!
Sounds good, Susan.
Audrey A. Oct 11, 2010, 10:55am UTC
Yes, I've been there when given too much of something that I don't eat or will take a while to eat. If I'm offered, I only ask for enough that I know that I will eat.
Rebecca P. Oct 11, 2010, 11:11am UTC
I do the same-at resturants I only ask for half of what the meal is because that's all I want or need. Kids meals are usually the perfect size.
Adelaide M. Oct 11, 2010, 10:58am UTC
I got a lot of this when I was living by myself, where family friends would give me what amounted to leftovers I wouldn't eat. Although it's kind, and I was thankful, a lot of it would have gone to waste because I didn't eat it. I took it all to the homless shelter near me. A lot of places won't take prepared food, so call and see if any of the places near you will.
Rebecca P. Oct 11, 2010, 11:10am UTC
I was thinking of that as I was writing this. I was talking to a woman who owns a bakery the other day and she told me about a local place that takes leftover baked goods and things. I usually end up giving most of it to friends (hurray for guy friends!) but sometimes its too much even for them.
Adelaide M. Oct 11, 2010, 11:13am UTC
Haha. That's what I do. I agree with Susan's advice of trying to avoid it in the first place, but some people don't get it and you still end up with random food. Guy friends are great, for a number of reasons :)
Spencer T. Oct 11, 2010, 11:02am UTC
I have lots of senior neighbors who often do not eat good meals so I give them lots of what is giving to me.
Tessa D. Oct 11, 2010, 11:42am UTC
graciously accept gifts in the spirit in which they were given -- and do with them whatever you want -- maybe some re-gifting?
Heather E. Oct 11, 2010, 12:02pm UTC
I am my own enemy here. I cook way too much sometimes. It is a problem mostly because my son does not eat the kinds of foods hubby and I eat. I have several kinds of soup in the freezer, for instance. If I have veggies that are kind of old, I try to cook them into soup rather than waste them. I am usually alone for lunch, and so I try to eat all the leftovers but when I get behind I freeze it.
Sandra H. Oct 11, 2010, 12:50pm UTC
I like the idea of finding an older individual who might not cook much any more and would enjoy home-cooked leftovers.
Rebecca P. Oct 11, 2010, 4:35pm UTC
I do that a lot with my grandmothers since they both live alone =)
Nikki S. Oct 11, 2010, 3:37pm UTC
Enjoyed the post
Dee - Grandma in Virginia Oct 11, 2010, 4:17pm UTC
Not a lot of freezing going on. Maybe refrigerating, but with a teen there are barely any leftovers.

If there are, they become my lunch later in the week. Even the next day. Some leftover meatloaf, in some leftover chicken stock, add some frozen veggies, and soup for 2 for lunch.
Sweet S. Oct 11, 2010, 5:22pm UTC
Ok, so I made entirely too much tuna casserole for dinner tonight and I have PLENTY left over... want some? LOL
Bernard C. Oct 11, 2010, 7:32pm UTC
Ahem, its the way boyfriends get fat - huh - ahem - think everyone is probably just tryint to be helpful in the best possible way - over time you will sort it all out am sure, but sharing the excess may prove to be a dorm feast or something to that effect. Hold out for a party gathering and take it along to share :-)) Trick or treats..there's a lot you can do :-)) good luck
Rebecca P. Oct 11, 2010, 8:07pm UTC
Well it's within reason of course. Most of my guy friends are so skinny as it is, a box of sweets really won't hurt them or two, I kid you not lol. I hadn't thought of trick or treats though, hm that's a good suggestion.
J F. Oct 11, 2010, 7:57pm UTC
I do freeze alot, but also have friends that are alone and I share with them. They really appreciate it. Giving to the elderly that are alone are always appreciative.
DIANE D. Oct 12, 2010, 9:32am UTC
Wish I could help.
Adelaide M. Oct 12, 2010, 6:04pm UTC
Thanks for posting to Point Taken.
Beth J. Feb 21, 2011, 6:36pm UTC
I freeze some and give some away

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