Halloween is a holiday of fun and candy; however, it is important to remember to enjoy in moderation and limit food waste. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Caitlin Mellendorf, Nutrition Educator with the University of Illinois Extension, told the Hart Media Group that parents should remember to give their trick-or-treaters some substantial food before they go out, so they are not filling up on candy all night long. 

While your child may want to eat all their candy in one night or soon after the holiday, parents should remember the candy has a long shelf life, especially if it is frozen. Mellendorf mentions that sometimes freezing the candy even makes it better. 

One of the most wasted foods this time of year is the pumpkins that are used to decorate. Mellendorf says that Pumpkin Smashes are a common event that allows responsible composting of our Halloween gourds and is a fun opportunity to let off some steam. 

Learn more about preventing food waste and enjoying treats in moderation by visiting extension.illinois.edu/dmp. 

This Halloween, make sure to only accept treats that are sealed from the factory and stay in neighborhoods that you know and are familiar with.