Win. Don't Bin

Today is the start of Food Waste Action Week which this year, has the theme of “Win. Don't Bin” and will demonstrate how valuable food is in our lives, how it unites people and how using up everything we buy saves money, time and the planet.

Below, we've set out a few ideas on how you can win the war on food waste.

Buy wonky!
Earth & Wheat is a one-stop wonky food market, connecting UK bakeries and farmers with customers looking to reduce food waste. They deliver perfectly tasty fresh bread, vegetables and more on flexible subscription, which would have otherwise gone to waste due to appearance standards or overproduction.

Be flexible!
If you like surprises, take a look at Too Good To Go. Businesses sell their surplus food via an app that lets customers rescue 'magic bags' at a vastly reduced price from local shops and restaurants so it doesn't go to waste.

Support producers who are actively trying to avoid food waste.
Growers Garden (part of farmer-owner co-operative East of Scotland Growers) make crisps from vegetables that would otherwise not have made the grade for supermarket shelves. One of the very earliest OnFARM podcast episodes featured them: https://pod.fo/e/15da3

Love leftovers!
Check out the Love Food Hate Waste website for recipes. With our HQ in the 'bread basket' county of East Lothian, it's unsurprising that we are reluctant to waste any bakery items! We love Chef Tony Singh's Baker Pudding – and it's freezable. https://recipes.lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipe/bakery-pudding

Plan ahead.
Shockingly, 25% of wasted food is due to cooking, preparing or serving too much - this costs UK households £3.5 billion each year. Menu planning is a great way for families to avoid food waste and Suzanne Mulholland aka 'The Batch Lady' takes this a step further with her 'Shop Once. Cook Once. East Well All Week' philosophy – very handy during #Lambing2023!

You can catch up with the two OnFARM episodes featuring The Batch Lady here: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/dcb223f1-0da6-463a-abce-8f69d10d60f4/

There are a number of ways for businesses to get involved with Food Waste Action Week and the dedicated website has ideas and helpful resources.

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