Southfield Counts

Dumb problem.
Easy solution.

Food scraps don’t belong in the trash. Southfield is making it easier to turn them into something useful. Be part of the new Food Scrap Drop Off program—sign up today.

Get to know us

Southfield is stepping up to show that Every Bit Counts

About Every Bit Counts

Every Bit Counts is our community-focused program that empowers individuals, businesses, and local governments to cut food waste in practical, measurable ways. From smart shopping tips and meal planning to food donation and composting, Every Bit Counts makes it easy to take action. When we save food, we save resources, money, and reduce harmful methane gas emissions that fuel climate change.

About Make Food Not Waste

Make Food Not Waste is a Southeast Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to slowing climate change by reducing food waste. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and community action, we help keep food out of landfills and on plates where it belongs.

By partnering with Make Food Not Waste, Southfield is leading the charge to reduce food waste across homes, businesses, and local organizations.
Overview

Food waste is the world's dumbest environmental problem—but solving it is easy.

Why fight food waste?

When food ends up in landfills, our water, land, work, and transportation are wasted.

By stopping food waste, we can:

  • Save money: The average household can save up to $2,500 a year by wasting less food.
  • Support food security: 1 in 8 Michiganders don’t have reliable access to food. Redirecting extra food to those who need it can make a real difference.
  • Improve our community: Cleaner air, soil, and water make Southfield a better place to live.


Working together as a community to reach zero food waste provides a clear, measurable goal and is something we can all contribute to easily, cheaply, and quickly.

Direct Benefits

By keeping food out of landfills, Southfield can expect the following benefits each year:

Our Progress

We're just getting started

In 2025, we're focused on raising awareness and motivating action.

Every choice counts

Join hundreds of Southfield residents and take the pledge against food waste

I pledge to always eat my leftovers!

WIll C.

This is a great program. Just think of all of the food that has been saved!

R. J. Jackson, Resident

Every bite counts!

Jasmine S., Resident

I love doing my part for the betterment of Michigan.

Tyler Clark, Resident

Thinking about food waste changed the way I shop and how much I save.

Susan Williams, Resident
Resources

For residents

Can I donate leftovers from a party I had at my house?

I’m going on vacation but just bought a lot of food…what can I do?

How to cut down on food waste at home

How to know how much food you need for parties

Eating your leftovers is the easiest way to reduce food waste

How to store food properly

How to understand date labels

How can I compost if I live in an apartment? 

Beat waste with Olio

Join Southfield’s “Buy Nothing” group

Save on grocery delivery with Imperfect Foods

Turn your recipes into grocery lists

Start with meal planning

Chef Will Coleman’s viral 6-1 shopping method

RESOURCES

For businesses & institutions

How can I cut down on food waste in my business?

Can businesses compost their own food?

Are there tax incentives for donating food?

Become a student ambassador

How restaurants can profit from surplus food

Who to contact for compost collection & recycling

Who to contact to donate food

RESOURCES

For schools

Your actions count

Become an ambassador

Make an impact

Every bit of food saved makes a difference, and as part of our ambassador program, you’ll be a key player in reducing food waste and building a stronger, more sustainable community.

When you sign up, you’ll gain access to these exclusive benefits:

  • Membership to the Beet Brigade newsletter
  • Invitations to quarterly Beet & Greet happy hours to meet like-minded changemakers
  • Special recognition on social media, in newsletters, and at events
  • Full access to our food waste reduction guides

Take action with our guides

As an ambassador, you’ll gain full access to our action guides, with step-by-step instructions on how to:

  • Advocate for residential compost pickup in your city
  • Host a house party to spread food waste awareness
  • Reduce waste at schools, holidays, and community events
  • Encourage local restaurants to donate surplus food
  • Table at events and activate neighborhood networks

Your actions count

More ways to spread the word

Download our social media toolkit

Want to spread the word and help Southfield reach zero food waste? Your voice matters! By sharing tips, facts, and resources with your friends and family, you can inspire others to take action and make a difference.

Order a physical toolkit

Bring the fight against food waste to life. Our physical toolkit gives you everything you need to host events, share presentations, or even throw a food waste awareness party with your friends, family, or neighbors.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Small actions, like saving food, create big change for our future

Join thousands of food waste champions commited to stopping food waste here in Southfield.

Our Partners

We can't do it alone