Leftover food after a wedding or event? Here is what to do
Published · 1 min read
Weddings, mehndis, birthday parties and office events have one thing in common: there is almost always too much food. Caterers plan for more guests than arrive, and nobody wants to run out.
The result is often trays of untouched biryani, qorma and dessert at the end of the night. Here is how to make sure that food is eaten, not thrown away.
Before the event
- Give the caterer a realistic headcount, not the invitation list.
- Ask how they handle leftovers, and whether you can keep untouched trays.
- Buy or borrow food boxes, foil and bags in advance.
- Decide who is responsible for leftovers so it does not get forgotten at midnight.
During the event
Keep reserve trays covered and hot, or in the fridge, rather than putting everything out at once. Food that never reaches the buffet table is the easiest to share safely.
After the event
- Pack untouched food into boxes within two hours of it being cooked or served.
- Pack single or family-sized portions.
- Keep packed food cool until it is handed over.
- Do not share food from plates or serving dishes guests have eaten from.
Share it nearby
With a lot of food, the challenge is reaching enough people quickly. On Itaam you can post the food with the number of servings available. People nearby see it on the map, request servings and pick them up with a code. Servings left update automatically, so you always know how much is left.
Restaurants, caterers and venues can share surplus regularly. See Itaam for businesses.
Mind the clock
Event food is often cooked hours before it is served. Count from when it was cooked, not when the event ended, and follow our food safety tips.