The Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District is celebrating Food 91²Ö¿â Prevention Week, September 28 through October 4, by encouraging residents to reduce food waste and save money at home. To help residents store leftovers and keep food fresh longer, the District is giving away eight sets of Pyrex glass food storage containers to residents of New Bedford and Dartmouth.
Four New Bedford residents and four Dartmouth residents will be randomly selected to receive a set of three glass Pyrex food storage containers with lids. Entries must be submitted by October 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Residents can enter by visiting the District website at gnbrrmdistrict.org. Entrants must be at least 18 years old and provide contact information so winners can be notified. Winners will be required to provide proof of residency when claiming their prize. Proper food storage can extend freshness, reduce food waste, and help households get more from the food they buy.
Food waste is a significant environmental and economic challenge. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than one-third of available food in the United States goes uneaten through loss or waste. Small changes at home can help residents save money, conserve resources, and reduce waste sent to landfills. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average family of four wastes nearly $3,000 worth of food each year. Food waste also makes up approximately 20% of the material disposed of at the Crapo Hill Landfill.
Residents can reduce food waste by planning meals, shopping with a list, storing food properly, freezing foods before they spoil, and enjoying leftovers. Learn more at savethefood.com and foodwastepreventionweek.com. âThe Refuse District is committed to reducing food waste because there are better, more sustainable options than sending food scraps to a landfill,â said Anthony Novelli, Executive Director of the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District. âBy partnering with the City of New Bedford and the Town of Dartmouth to provide education, food waste diversion opportunities, and other resources, we are helping residents reduce waste, save money, and make the most of the food they purchase. Every small action adds up, and together we can make a meaningful difference.â