Leftovers Get a Second Life as a Global Movement

A growing global movement is working to change our relationship with leftover food. This comes as the United Nations reports that one-third of all food produced worldwide is wasted. The trend is gaining popularity through new cookbooks, social media influencers, and even television shows dedicated to creative leftover recipes. To understand this shift, we must look at the past. Food historian Eleanor Barnett explains how societal values around food have changed throughout history. Her insights provide context for why avoiding waste has become a modern priority. The movement also focuses on practical solutions. Chris Morocco, a food director for Bon Appétit and Epicurious, demonstrates how to transform leftovers. In one instance, he created an entirely new meal using ingredients from a home cook's refrigerator, showing the potential hidden in everyday leftovers.