Humans have come a long way since the days of constantly having to hunt and forage for food, but along the way, most of us have forgotten just how sacred food is.

Our ancestors, even as recently as a generation ago, would not allow food to go to waste. EVERYTHING was used. Leftovers were reused as soups and such, and if not, were often returned to the ground to help nourish the soil for the following year’s harvest.

Nowadays most of us don’t think twice about this. If we’re hungry, we buy food and eat until we’re satisfied. Typically what’s left goes right into the trash.

A recent study states that Americans are wasting 40 percent of the food we produce.

Think about it - 40 percent wasted - knowing there are many, many hungry families that don’t have enough to eat in this country.

Don’t take food for granted.

Don’t buy more food than you know you’ll use.

Order less food when dining out and commit to eating leftovers.

Know what’s hidden in the back of your refrigerator and plan to use it sooner than later.

Stop.

Think about it.

Food is sacred.