Food Waste Prevention Week highlights a startling statistic: 20% of all waste in Hillsborough County is food that could have been eaten. Across America, 40% of all food grown and produced never reaches a plate — a sobering reality when one in four children and one in six adults in Tampa Bay face hunger daily. "They're all contributing to this massive issue, and you start by looking at what you throw away every day. Is it the bananas that you didn't eat? Is it stuff in the back of the fridge?" said Daniel Gallagher with Hillsborough County Solid Waste. At Meacham Urban Farms, local residents are learning practical ways to reduce waste while supporting sustainable food systems. The urban farm hosts a weekly farmers market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., providing fresh produce and education about food sustainability. "I wanted to come and check it out because I'm trying to live an organic kind of lifestyle," said Cristie Scargle, a shopper at the farm. For many shoppers, preventing food waste begins at the point of purchase. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/community/food-insecurity-waste-prevention-week-tampa-bay-florida/67-6112307e-a77d-4193-bda6-2547fcd7c43b