Freeze It! teaches individuals and families practical, research-based strategies to reduce food waste, save money and keep food safe and high-quality for longer. Participants learn proper freezing, storage and thawing techniques. These skills help them make the most of their groceries from the store, farmers market or their own garden, and prevent food from going to waste.

The USDA estimates 30-40% of the US food supply goes uneaten. Freezing is one of the simplest and most effective tools for preventing this loss, yet many people are unsure how to freeze food safely or preserve their best flavor and texture. Freeze It! addresses this gap by offering step-by-step guidance on packaging, labeling, storage times and safe thawing methods.

The program is delivered through interactive workshops, led by trained MU Extension educators, where participants learn by doing. Each session covers specific food categories, such as fruits, vegetables, proteins and prepared meals, while incorporating tips for meal planning and cooking efficiency.

Completers of the Freeze It! program have demonstrated:

  • Increased confidence in freezing and storing foods
  • Improved food budgeting
  • Greater awareness of food waste reduction strategies

MU Extension continues to refine the program to meet the growing need for accessible, sustainable food skills education across Missouri communities.

The program regularly partners with community organizations to connect with audiences and cover program costs. Some of our partners include:

  • Hospital systems
  • Recovery courts
  • Solid waste management districts
  • Food pantries

Freeze It! was recognized by the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences in 2023 as the National Family Health and Wellness program of the year.

Program impacts and outcomes

The Freeze It! program has shown measurable success in helping participants cook more at home, reduce food waste and make healthier food choices.

From 2022 to 2024, Missouri programs saw significant results in:

  • Healthier eating habits: Participants reported eating whole grains and healthy proteins more often (p < 0.05, 70 participants).
  • Less food waste: On average, participants threw away 0.63 fewer trash bags per week after the program (p < 0.05, 74 participants).

These results come from pre- and post-program surveys based on the Theory of Planned Behavior.

The evidence is clear — Freeze It! can change how people shop, cook and store food, leading to healthier meals and less waste at home.