Americans Save Food, Money and Time by Storing Leftovers.

Rubbermaid Offers Food Storage Containers with Easy-Seal, Easy-Clean and Easy-Storage Features

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- Americans waste 200 million pounds of food each day1, but not because people fail to save leftover meals. According to a recent national survey conducted by Mediathink on behalf of Rubbermaid, 98 percent of those polled save leftovers from home-cooked meals and 76 percent do so several times each week.

Of the 685 mothers between the ages of 18 and 49 who participated in the survey, 46 percent claimed to save leftovers because they are a healthier and a more convenient alternative to fast foods. Another 30 percent keep leftovers because it is easier to reheat a meal than to cook a new meal every day, which ultimately saves time.

"As consumers continue to consider leftovers a healthy way to save money and time, it is becoming increasingly important to finds the best ways to effectively store food," stated Steve Pawl, Marketing Director at Rubbermaid. "Consumers want containers that store easily, keep leftovers fresh, and are easy to clean with no leftover stains or food odors. Many containers address one or two of these food storage issues, but consumers really want a container that overcomes all these challenges."

Eighty percent of those surveyed own more than 10 food storage containers, and more than 67 percent find it frustrating to store those containers. An alarming number of those sampled - 71 percent - have trouble finding lids that match their containers. As annoying as lost lids can be, consumers also face challenges with food storage containers becoming stained, especially since Italian dishes are the most popular leftovers according to 42 percent of survey participants.

New Rubbermaid Premier containers help consumers overcome these challenges to save money and time with leftovers. The Easy Find Lid[TM] is designed to snap to the bottom of the containers, and the lids and bases nest neatly inside each other to minimize required storage space. Premier also utilizes Flex & Seal[TM] lid technology that locks in freshness but remains easy to seal and remove. In addition, Premier washes clean with no stains or odors, even after reheating tomato-based leftovers including chili or spaghetti sauce, and unlike most food storage products, features a crystal-clear shatterproof base that will not warp or crack over time.

Rubbermaid Premier containers come in six sizes from 1 1/4 cups to 14 cups, ranging in price from $2.49 to $8.99, and featuring clear bases and black-rimmed lids. The bases and lids are microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe, and are guaranteed for life. The Premier line is available at mass and grocery retailers.

About Rubbermaid[TM]

Rubbermaid is a leader in developing high-quality, innovative storage and organization solutions for the home, business and outdoors - making everyday life easier. Widely recognized and trusted, Rubbermaid designs and manufactures a full line of consumer and commercial food storage containers and beverage dispensers, as well products to store goods and keep homes, closets, garages and outdoor living space clean and organized. Rubbermaid (www.rubbermaid.com) is a Newell Rubbermaid company.

1U.S Department of Agriculture