Sorry if I've just brought to mind some best forgotten images of pungent inedible concoctions thrown together in a disorderly classroom barely contained by a matronly domestic science teacher, but by now everyone must be reasonably conscious of rising food prices. The price of wheat has doubled over the last year, and rice and coffee prices are at one of their highest points in a decade. This, combined with rising fuel prices, growing mortgage rates and a deteriorating economy, means we’re all feeling the pressure.
I don’t think we should be too alarmed though. It could actually be quite enjoyable if we see it as an opportunity to get creative about what we buy, how we eat and how we live.
If you're not in the habit of it, planning a weekly shop that covers all the bases can feel like a lot of hassle..an onerous task that could easily be avoided by grabbing some ready meals on your way home. I’ve certainly done this (more often than I would have liked) and wasted a lot of time and money on the way.
In these troubled economic climes I think there are lots of things we could do to make things easier for ourselves. So, without wishing to be sanctimonious, patronising or dogmatic, I’ve come up with a list of things we could do to save money on food.
Buy local produce
Whilst a trip to Fresh and Wild won’t save you money, if you live in a city, visiting your local farmer’s market is a cheaper (about 30% cheaper) and greener way to buy good quality fresh fruit and vegetables.
Buy loose items
If you buy your fruit and vegetables in the supermarket, try to avoid the pre-washed pre-packaged items. The loose products are cheaper and whilst you still use those fiddly plastic bags to put them all in, you will still be cutting down on packaging which helps the environment.
Cook with your leftovers
Whilst Mr Brown’s recent instructions not to waste food had me childishly wanting to dash home, raid my cupboards and throw everything in the bin, I have since conceded that he has a point. And a good way not to waste food is to reuse leftovers.
Rather than seeing them as curled-up dried out reminders of food you didn't get around to eating, leftovers can really make your life easier and save you money, time and effort - because they have already been cooked, half the work has been done for you. All you need is a little creative forethought. If you're stuck for ideas have a little look here.
Buy seasonal foods
Seasonal food is very pleasant and, in the main, cheaper. And it tastes better too. Look up a list of seasonal foods and try buying some of what August has to offer. You'll likely see a difference in the cost of your weekly shop too.
Compost leftovers
If you have a garden, why not compost your leftover vegetable and fruit peelings, teabags, egg shells and egg boxes? My mum does this. I quite like the routine of it when I visit her. Apart from saving on the amount of household waste you dispose of, you also save money on shop bought compost. And if you don’t have a garden but you would like to grow your own produce, how about becoming a window box gardener? Growing your own vegetables is fun as well as resourceful.
So. Hopefully I've got you thinking a bit about how you can make things better for yourself and your wallet. You may argue that none of what I’m saying is new because, after all, people have been doing this sort of thing for decades. And it does smack somewhat of Tom and Barbara. But I still think it's worth doing. Come on people - let’s battle our dwindling economy with some good old fashioned home economics :-)
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