In Jain Dharma, both wasting food and eating “paryushit” (stale/kept overnight) food are discouraged.

• Best practice: cook and serve only what is needed. This follows aparigraha (non‑possessiveness) and carefulness (samiti), so there is no waste and no need to eat stale food.
• If food remains: distribute it the same day—before sunset if possible—to family, neighbors, workers, or to the needy. If still left, offer suitable items to animals or compost, rather than throwing edible food into the trash.
• Next‑day eating: traditionally avoided. Food kept overnight is considered paryushit; it generates more micro‑life, increasing himsa, and is not advised for spiritual discipline. Both Shvetambar and Digambar traditions guide householders to prefer fresh, same‑day food; ascetics are even stricter. During observances like Paryushan, “no leftovers” is explicitly followed.

Simple way forward

• Plan portions; serve small and refill as needed.
• Share promptly if extra is cooked.
• If sharing isn’t possible, feed appropriate leftovers to animals or compost the rest.

Thus, neither wasting food nor eating it the next day is ideal; the Jain way is to prevent leftovers through mindful cooking and to share immediately with compassion.