southfieldcounts.org

Dumb problem.
Easy solution.

Throwing away good food just doesn’t add up. It wastes money and resources—all while people go hungry. Fixing it? That’s just common sense.

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—take the pledge against food waste

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

Sharing

Beat waste with Olio

Sharing

Join Southfield’s “Buy Nothing” group

Shopping

Save on grocery delivery with Imperfect Foods

Shopping

Turn your recipes into grocery lists

Shopping

Start with meal planning

Shopping

Chef Will Coleman’s viral 6-1 shopping method

RESOURCES

For businesses & institutions

Selling

How restaurants can profit from surplus food

Composting, Recycling

Who to contact for compost collection & recycling

Donating

Who to contact to donate food

RESOURCES

For schools

Awareness

Become a student ambassador

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 join the exclusive Beet Brigade—a group of passionate changemakers working to eliminate food waste.

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.

Our Partners

We can't do it alone

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.