Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” is a U.S. national holiday commemorating the end of legal slavery in the United States. The day is known as the county’s second independence day because on that date in 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally received word they were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Although it has long been celebrated, Juneteenth remained largely unknown to many Americans until it was made an official national holiday on June 17, 2021.

Traditionally, people celebrate Juneteenth with a cookout. Red foods such as watermelon are an important part of the menu in order to represent the struggle, perseverance and resilience of enslaved Americans. If Juneteenth is new to you or you’re looking for low waste ideas to incorporate into your celebration, here are some menu ideas!

Mac & Cheese
Baked beans
Potato salad
Coleslaw
Watermelon
Strawberries
Corn on the cob
Strawberry Pop