How to Make the Most of Leftovers

American households throw away an average of $1,500 in food every year – but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this free nutritional education class, Kelsy Baker, MS, RDN of Sound Dietitians, LLC walks you through realistic strategies for reducing food waste, saving money, and turning your fridge’s leftovers into creative, satisfying meals. Hosted by Kristina Wigren, this session is part of Stilly Valley Health Connections’ free monthly Budget-Friendly Series – explore more free class recordings here.

What’s covered in this class:

• Food safety basics – the 2-hour refrigeration rule, the temperature danger zone (40°F–140°F), and how to properly store and reheat common leftovers
• Overcoming leftover barriers – practical solutions for food safety concerns, forgetting what’s in your fridge, and flavor fatigue
• The “Cook Once, Eat Twice” method – how to repurpose proteins (chicken, ham, beans), grains, and vegetables into entirely new, balanced meals throughout the week
• Leftover meal ideas – tacos, grain bowls, frittatas, stuffed peppers, pasta soup, and more – many at under $1.50 per serving
• Free tools and resources – including the USDA Food Keeper app, plus a live cooking demonstration using real fridge leftovers