A workshop at the Kempsey Library will help participants become more food smart while helping the environment and being kinder to their personal bank accounts.
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The Food Smart workshop is on at the library from 10.30am on Monday, February 17.
MidWaste project officer Wendy Grant said people are becoming more proactive in thinking about their food choices, which is having flow-on impact for their hip pockets and the environment.
"It is great to see more people becoming passionate about being food smart and reducing food waste," she said.
"People are starting to understand that food waste is one of the most significant issues for our environment, and that it is something we can all address in our own homes.
Families, Ms Grant said are also motivated to cut food waste because they know their budgets will stretch much further if they make the most of the food they buy.
She said it's also about supporting the efforts of our local farmers, by ensuring their produce is not going to waste.
When asked if the giants of the supermarket companies could be do more to encourage people to be food smart, Ms Grant said Woolworths are supporters of the Love Food Hate Waste program at the state level.
The company has provided 1000 reusable bags for the free Food Smart kits, which local families receive when they complete a survey.
Food Smart supports individuals to take action, change habits and take small simple steps that add up to make a big difference.
At the Food Smart workshops, participants share their knowledge, learn from each other and solve problems together.
"One clever idea shared recently was to set aside Friday night for 'odds and sods' meals, where everyone makes do with what's in the fridge or cupboard," Ms Grant said.
"Another idea was to plan to cook soup, frittata or bolognaise at the end of the week to use up wilting veggies."
The Food Smart program is flexible so that families can discover what works best for them in terms of their budget and how much time they have available.
"The best results are achieved when households plan their meals, shop with a list and buy only what they need," Ms Grant said.
"The program also helps families serve perfectly sized portions and provides savvy storage tips to keep food fresher for longer."
People can book into the free Food Smart workshop at 10.30am on Monday 17 February. Call Kempsey Library on 6566 3210 or email kempsey.library@kempsey.nsw.gov.au
Those who complete the first Food Smart survey during the month of February will go into the draw to win a set of reusable produce bags. Sign up for the free Food Smart program at www.midwaste.org.au/food-smart.
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