Chana dal-Chicken Tikki

I recently had to do some research on USDA website for one of my client and came across this report. The report estimates the food waste by Americans in general. However, this is an old statistic but the numbers/estimates are mind boggling; and I definitely believe that it has only increased by 2009-2010. Here are some points included in the report:

Americans waste 96 BILLION pounds of food every year.

If 5% of 96 Billion pounds food is recovered, we could feed 4 million people for a day (both meals).

Recovery rates of 10 to 25% would provide enough food for 20 million people.

Above are just some estimates from the article, but think about all the other things that go along with food waste.

Food disposal costs - I can only imagine that this amount is in billions..

The household cost related to throwing away food.

Imagine how many kids we can feed in third world countries.

Back in India if we had leftover food we would give it away to our bai (maid) or there used to be this guy who would come every night asking if we have leftover food. We were more than happy to give it away rather than throwing it. However, we don't have these options in States. I am very much against wasting food and always get into fights with JK and SIL about not cleaning up their plates. Also, every time that I do the dishes, I make them throw away their leftovers instead of me doing it. I just don't want to be held responsible for throwing away food. 

So I had some leftover Chana Dal Chicken that I made few days ago. Didn't wanted to freeze it and more importantly didn't wanted to throw it away, I made these tikkis as a tea-time snack. Came out perfect and delicious - every one of us loved and I was happy that it didn't make it to the trash.