Whether you’re looking for some tips on meal planning or trying to get your grocery budget back on track, start off 2024 by setting yourself up with good habits to avoid food waste and save money at the same time.

Did you know that the average Brisbane household throws away $40 worth of food every week? That adds up to over $2000 of wasted food per household per year and around 1 in every 5 bags of groceries wasted.

Brisbane City Council’s new Save Money, Save Food Challenge will help reduce that amount, providing helpful tips and tricks to get the most out of your weekly grocery shop. The free, three-week text program includes timely tips, videos, and recipes via text messages. All you have to do is text the word ‘food’ to 0481 889 889 to get started. 

The challenge will help you to be more resourceful, focusing on these 3 key steps:   

1. Plan

One of the most important ways to prevent food waste is to plan your meals and prepare a shopping list, saving not only food from going to waste, but money and time. You’ll learn more about this step during the challenge.

2. Prepare

How you go about preparing meals, snacks and leftover food throughout the week plays a large role in preventing food waste. You’ll learn practical tips to help you get into good habits and to ‘use-it-up’.

3. Store

Just like knowing how to prepare your food, storing food correctly is just as important when it comes to avoiding food waste. 

One of the many useful texts you’ll receive during the challenge will include a reminder to check your fridge regularly for meat and vegetables that won’t be eaten in the next few days. Place these items in the freezer to extend their life and plan to eat them next week.

And for those unavoidable food waste scraps (like vegetable peels and fruit cores), why not make the most of Council’s $100 compost rebate program to help set up your composting or worm farm system at home?

How do I start the challenge?

To start the free, three-week text program simply text the word ‘food’ to 0481 889 889!

Brisbane City Council is committed to providing residents with more ways to reduce their waste and save more. If you’d like to learn more, visit reducing waste at home for more great ideas.