Norfolk County Council has unveiled a major new collaborative food waste initiative by inviting households to become part of a county-wide 'Autumn Food Waste Challenge'.
Households can sign up for the challenge online where they can see tips and recipes to help reduce food waste, and follow the Plan Eat Save campaign on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Making simple changes, such as meal planning and knowing what food to freeze, can help families save up to £60 a month – almost £700 a year, the council said.
“We at Norfolk County Council are keen to support households and offer advice on how they can cut down on their own food waste,” said chairman of the council’s environment committee, Martin Wilby.
“Almost 400 households have already joined in and signed up to Norfolk County Council’s Food Waste Challenge saving pounds off their shopping bill but we’re keen to get many more people involved. There are some really simple changes that people can make which will make a real difference to the amount of food they throw away.”
Youtuber and Chef Ian Haste said: “Plan Eat Save is a fantastic initiative and, being hugely passionate about food, one I’m proud to be a part of. One key element of cutting down on food waste is having a meal plan. It also gives you a chance to have a more nutritiously balanced diet and by adding a meal from your freezer or store cupboard it still allows you to be flexible when all best laid plans go to pot.”
Tom Mills, aged 26 from Norwich, took part in the Plan Eat Save Food Waste Challenge this summer and saved £60 a month in food bills. “I would really encourage anyone to give the challenge a go,” he said. “It’s well worth being able to save money, eat a bit more healthily and know you’re doing your bit for the environment too.”
According to Norfolk County Council, the amount of food wasted in Norfolk each year would fill 140 Boeing 747 planes, while the UK’s average family with children wastes around £700 a year buying and throwing away good food and drink.
