One of the best things about Christmas is the food. Despite this, more food goes to waste during Christmas than any other time of the year. It’s also a time where the demand for food parcels is high. If you plan a great menu, cook with flare and use your leftovers– you can be equipped not to over-cater this Christmas.
Plan a great menu
Make sure that you plan a great menu with not too many items on it. Sometimes less IS more! Put everything on a list and check your cupboards to check you don’t already have ingredients. Do a few delicious dishes well - this way you can manage the juggling of cooking and get your quantities right.
Cook with flare
Choose local ingredients to cook with flare. That way, you’re reducing carbon emissions from overseas exports and supporting local at the same time. Go to your farmers market and get that nice sweet fruit chutney to accompany the turkey!
Use your leftovers
Make sure you have room in your freezer for any leftovers. Remember almost anything can be frozen, including cheese, cream and wine.
If you are involved in a larger event, here’s a list of community food organisations across Aotearoa that may be willing to take surplus foods. If you’re really desperate, make sure that you are least composting any food scraps or taking them to your local urban farm e.g. Kaicycle. Whatever you do, don’t put that food in the rubbish or recycling bin.
Thank you to Love Food Hate Waste for the inspiration behind this post.
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