As we’re going to be living on limited resourced, here are a couple of tips on ways to make the most of the food you have and avoid wastage.

Plan your meals

When making your shopping list, try to choose foods that can be made into meals, rather than random individual items. That way you can make the most out of what you buy and avoid having leftover items at the end of the week.

Know your dates

I’m sure we all check the dates on food when we buy it, but do we know what these dates mean and are we throwing good food away unnecessarily?

• Use by: Food can be eaten up to the end of the ‘use by’ date, but not after even if it looks and smells fine.

• Sell by: You can ignore these dates as they are for shop staff, not shoppers.

• Display until: You can ignore these dates too, as they are also for shop staff.

• Best before: These dates refer to quality rather than food safety. When the date is passed, the food won’t be unsafe but might begin to lose its flavour or texture. One exception, however, is eggs. Never eat eggs after the ‘best before’ date.

Be fridge smart

• Store your leftovers in clear containers, that way you can see them so you’re less likely to forget about them.

• Don’t slice your food before putting it in the fridge. When slicing meat and vegetables you are increasing the surface area that is exposed to air. Keeping them whole in the fridge will ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible.

Use your freezer

• If there are fresh items that you won’t use before their best before date, such as bread, freeze them and defrost just the quantity you need as and when required.

Katie Ogley
Pound a Day Project Manager
Email:katie.ogley@dclt.co.uk