Plan for the party. Are you hosting a holiday party for five, ten, or 20 guests? Plan your menu and make a grocery list. Before you hit the supermarket, check your kitchen pantry. Not sure what you can use? Remember, just because a food’s “sell by” date has passed does not mean you have to toss it. Get started with this USDA food product dating fact sheet.

Don’t let leftovers languish! How long can you keep leftovers after the party? Find the answer right on your smartphone with the FoodKeeper App. This free, online app created by USDA, Cornell University, and the Food Marketing Institute offers tips on storage times for more than 500 fresh and shelf-stable foods.

After you celebrate, donate! Did you know that the U.S. government encourages the donation of food and grocery products to nonprofit organizations for distribution to those in need? There are also Good Samaritan food donation liability protections for persons and businesses who donate food to nonprofit organizations. Unopened food from that catered holiday party at work or kitchen pantry at home would make a perfect contribution to a local charity’s holiday offerings. Food donations are eligible for charitable tax deductions when donating to a nonprofit organization.