The recent increase in the cost of food has been noticeable. It’s become something that many of us need to scrimp and save on, hunting for the best deals in the supermarkets.
To help with this, we’ve pulled together some resources, handy tips and organisations who can help you out with your food shopping this month.
You can make food go much further with a little careful planning:
- Plan your meals – if you plan your breakfasts, lunches and dinners for the week before you go shopping, you’re much more likely to stick to just buying what you need
- Reduce your portion sizes – reducing the amount you put on your plate can be good for your wallet and your waistline. And if you’re still hungry you can go for seconds!
- Use up leftovers – don’t be tempted to scrape the leftovers into the bin! Small portions may be enough for a lunch the next day or you could create something completely new
- Make the most of everything – “scraps” like chicken bones, squash peelings, onion skins and carrot tops can be great for making stock
- Freeze liquids – leftover sauces, gravy and even wine are great to freeze and add to dishes later on for that extra bit of flavour.
- First in, first out (FIFO) – this is a rule professional chefs use! When you’re unpacking groceries, pack the new items behind old items to make sure the older items get used up first
- Understand expiration dates – we're being encouraged to judge by our senses and waste less food. Fruit, veg and a lot of dairy products are fine after their “best before” date. Check out the Stop Food Waste guide to product dates
Food banks offer a lifeline to many households. There are foodbanks all over the country, often linked to churches and charitable organisations. You can find your nearest foodbank here.
You need a referral for a lot of foodbanks. Our Money Advice Team can provide you with a referral if you need one.
It's important that our kids eat well to make sure they have the energy to play and learn at school!
Your child may be eligible for free school meals if you receive Income Support, Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit and many other benefits.
If you're pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to healthy start vouchers.
These vouchers can be used to buy things like milk, fruit, vegetables and infant formula.
Incredible Surplus
Previously known as The Real Junk Food Project Birmingham, Incredible Surplus intercept food and other usable materials that‘d otherwise go to waste from supermarkets, restaurants and other sources – you pay on a “Pay-As-You-Feel” basis. There are distribution locations, checkout their website for more information.
