Wasting food.....not here.

    I remember back in the day when you didn't waste food. You didn't waste ANY food.  You ate what was on your plate. Whatever was left, went into the refrigerator. You ate it the next day....or the next or the next.
     My grandma, mom, aunts, and neighbors always had a garden. I can remember my mom canning tomato juice, whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, salsa, and green beans. (listening to the caps on the jars *pop* as they sealed all through the night) was a sure sign that I was eating tomatoes and green beans for the next year. I wasn't a big fan of any of these things. I ate them, because....well....it's what we ate.  I don't know why my mom canned so much. Maybe because "it's what you do" or if she was trying to save money, or if she just enjoyed it. Maybe it was all three.  Now I realize how incredibly lucky I was. Green beans that my mom planted, canned, and served. People didn't really talk about how much more healthy it was. They didn't need to. It was already known. It's like telling someone that Monday is the beginning of the typical work week. (yeah...i'm aware).
     So now, I'm composting. (not easy in the winter) because I'm preparing for a little raised garden this summer. I plant tomatoes and hot peppers in containers but I think it is time to step it up.   Green beans, Carrots, Kale......I won't be serving Maximus brussel sprouts. (if you see me, ask me why)  Feeding my family food that I have planted, canned, and prepared warms my heart. So maybe I just answered my question on WHY my mom did it. 
   Now.....even if it's food that I've purchased, I have a huge problem with throwing it away. Some of the best meals that we have had have been from left overs. (last night was pulled pork chimichangas....pure AWESOME!) Could this be that it starts with the setting? The Ragers ALWAYS sit down at the table to have dinner together. EVERY NIGHT.  Lame? Sure....I guess. We sit down at the table, give thanks to Him, and eat the wonderful meal that God has made possible. Appreciate the source. Whether you are out to dinner (take home the leftovers). Eating a simple dinner at home.....say "Thank you" and think about people who aren't so fortunate. (I know most of you were told about 'the starving children in Africa'. Well, it's still true. There are starving people EVERYWHERE).
     With that, I say Eat well. Thank God. Don't waste. I say this all while eating the bagel that Maximus didn't finish before he went to school.