Saving money on groceries isn’t just about buying cheaper items; it’s also about maximizing what you already have. In Canada, approximately 63% of the food Canadians throw away could have been eaten, according to the National Zero Waste Council. This waste not only harms the environment but also costs the average Canadian household over $1,100 each year.
Plan Your Meals and Shop with a List – One of the most effective ways to reduce waste and cut costs is meal planning. Planning meals for the week helps limit unnecessary purchases, making it easier to stick to a shopping list. According to a report by Love Food Hate Waste Canada, careful planning can help families save up to $600 annually by ensuring they buy only what they need.
Adopt a First In, First Out (FIFO) System – Rotating your stock is another way to reduce waste. When new groceries are brought home, place older items in front and the newer ones behind. This “First In, First Out” method prevents foods from getting buried and forgotten. A study by Dalhousie University and the University of Guelph highlights that simple strategies like FIFO can lead to substantial reductions in food waste.
Get Creative with Leftovers – In Canada, about 30% of food wasted in households consists of leftovers. The trick is to get creative and repurpose them. For example, last night’s roasted chicken can become the filling for sandwiches or wraps, and aging fruits can be blended into smoothies. The Love Food Hate Waste Canada initiative suggests making new meals from leftovers to save money and reduce waste.
Understand Expiry Dates – Confusion over “best before” and “expiry” dates often leads to unnecessary disposal of still-edible food. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency clarifies that “best before” indicates quality, not safety. Monitoring these dates and using foods accordingly helps cut down on waste.
Reducing food waste not only benefits your wallet but also the environment. By planning meals, storing food properly, and repurposing leftovers, Canadians can save money and contribute to sustainability. It’s a small effort with a big payoff.
Additional Resources:
Still Good to EatFor more information, please contact:
Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com
Or
Site OHS Committee Chair or Representative
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