Families that are fed up of throwing away food waste are being invited to take part in a challenge.
Durham County Council is looking for volunteers to take part in the Food Waste Challenge, which is a fun way to help households reduce their food waste and help make the most of their food by rethinking their planning, shopping, storing and cooking habits.
With the help of external partnership funding ten chosen families will be given £40 worth of shopping vouchers to buy kitchen products, such as storage devices and food blenders, to help them create and save meals from extra unused food.
Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “Every year households in the UK throw away 15 million tonnes of food and drink, nearly half of which could have been eaten.
“Activities such as the Food Waste Challenge are a great way to raise awareness of the issue and we would encourage everyone to visit our website for top tips on how to reduce waste and save themselves money.”
The challenge lasts for four weeks and those who complete it will be given an additional £20 shopping voucher as a thank you for taking part.
The council’s waste management team will be on hand to offer advice and support throughout the campaign and a free cookery workshop will also be available for families taking part.
If families are interested in taking part in the challenge, email [email protected] by Sunday, February 24.
Visit www.durham.gov.uk/recycling for tips and tricks on how to reduce waste.
• Pictured above: Rachel Gatland (strategic waste team), Rachel Markham (food waste chef), and Vicky Bell (strategic waste team).