Stop Waster at Home: Simple Summer Meal Ideas

July 2026   In this edition: Induction Cooking Demonstration Use It Up: Simple Summer Meal Ideas StopWaste Regulatory Fee Time to Side Dress Your Plants What We're Reading Induction Cooking Demonstration Learn new kitchen tricks and join us in person for an induction cooking demonstration on Saturday, August 1, from 10 AM to 12 PM in San Leandro. Watch induction technology in action, taste delicious food, and learn about the health, safety, and efficiency benefits of induction cooking. We'll also be sharing information about energy-efficiency rebates, resources, and incentives, like the EASE Home program.  Reserve a Spot StopWaste Gets New Fresh Look Our website, StopWaste.org, is a key tool for connecting people to our work—whether that’s taking action at home, navigating policies and requirements, or partnering with us. The new website lets you navigate easily to find what you need, provides action-oriented content with practical tools and resources, and better showcases the impact of our work. Explore our new website and let us know what you think! Share your feedback. Use It Up: Simple Summer Meal Ideas Summer schedules can be busy, making meal and snack planning feel like one more thing on your to-do list. Instead of starting from scratch, make the most of the food you already have by turning leftovers and extra ingredients into quick, delicious meals.    Try some of these simple tricks:  Toss leftover vegetables into a soup, stir-fry, or frittata.  Blend fresh herbs into pesto, chimichurri, or compound butter.  Use ripe fruit in smoothies, muffins, or a simple fruit compote.  Turn leftover beans or grains into a hearty soup or grain bowl. Make a "clean out the fridge" pasta, fried rice, hearty salad, or pizza topped with odds and ends like vegetables, cheese, and cooked meats.  Some of the best meals come from creativity. Our StopFoodWaste blog is full of tips, recipes, and meal inspiration from local chefs and community organizations. Get More Tips and Recipes StopWaste Regulatory Fee Did you know StopWaste works on behalf of all Alameda County jurisdictions to meet state requirements that protect our environment and health? A small StopWaste Regulatory Fee, starting July 1, 2026, helps fund that required work—from composting and recycling to food recovery and donation. Learn more at StopWaste.org/regulatory-fee.  Time to Side Dress Your Plants Are your annual or perennial plants flowering right now?  If so, now would be a good time to support the flowering and fruiting by side-dressing with something higher in phosphorus. There are many options for phosphorus sources, including fish bone meal, bone meal, and rock phosphate. If you are new to gardening and interested in learning more about how to grow your own food, make and use compost and the benefits of adding native plants into your landscape, check out our events and workshops page. Many Alameda County libraries, nurseries, and urban farms are offering opportunities to learn. Gardening doesn't have to be daunting!  Learn More What We're Reading California Bans 'Sell By' Food Labels to Cut Food Waste and Confusion—ABC News Dandelion Kitchen Turns Rescued Food into Meals for People in Need—Berkeleyside Do I Need to Refrigerate Ketchup? An A-to-Z Guide to Storing Condiments—NY Times www.StopWaste.org  •  1537 Webster Street, Oakland, CA 94612  • (510) 891-6500