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Ross families urged to take Lidl shopping challenge and play part slashing food waste, slowing climate change – and improving their bank balance


By Hector MacKenzie

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Meal planners devised by the retailer aim to focus shopping so nothing gets wasted and leftovers are used creatively.
Meal planners devised by the retailer aim to focus shopping so nothing gets wasted and leftovers are used creatively.

ROSS-SHIRE residents going list-free for the big weekly shop are being challenged to slash food waste and put themselves in line for saving a whopping £437 a year.

The food waste initiative aims to slash the massive amount that ends up in the bin because of poorly planned shopping trips.

It comes in the back of research indicating shoppers are shopping less often during the coronavirus pandemic but buying more – often without a fixed plan.

Lidl says over a quarter of Highland and islands residents are shopping without a list, contributing to a sobering 60 million meals being wasted every month.

The retailer has teamed up with Love Food Hate Waste Scotland to launch a series of what it dubs food waste-free shopping lists that will help people plan better, save money and fight the climate crisis.

In addition to weekly shopping lists for a family of four, the initiative also includes guidance on food storage and creative ways to use up leftovers.

It comes as a YouGov poll reveals 57 per cent of Highlanders are now feeling more anxious about their food shop since the pandemic began.

By using the lists, it is hoped that families will enjoy stress-free shopping and great tasting meals.

Covering breakfast, lunch and dinner, the meal plans promise family favourites like spaghetti Bolognese alongside new dishes to try like nasi goreng, Greek yoghurt pizzas and fish finger tacos.

Lidl’s regional director for Scotland, Ross Millar, said: "With almost two-thirds of Scots shopping less often than before, the nation has certainly embraced the weekly ‘big shop’.

“By partnering with Love Food Hate Waste Scotland, we are continuing to support the changing needs of Scottish families as they navigate this new world.

“The ‘Great Taste, No Waste’ initiative aims to show Scots how shopping with a list can reduce household food waste, help feed your family delicious meals, and still provide the Lidl promise of fantastic value for money.”

Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland, which delivers Love Food Hate Waste Scotland, said: “Food waste is a major contributor to climate change. When we waste food, we waste all the resources and care that went into growing, transporting, packaging and cooking it.

"And, if wasted food ends up in landfill, it emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is many times more damaging than carbon dioxide.

“Preventing avoidable food waste could save the average Scottish household £437 per year, so there’s a real cost saving to be made. The ‘Great Taste, No Waste’ list and meal plan will take the stress out of mealtimes while providing an easy way for families to reduce their own food waste at home. Saving perfectly good food from going to waste is something we can all get on board with.”

Lidl love food hate waste campaign
Lidl love food hate waste campaign

The Great Taste, No Waste list and meal plan is available to download now from: www.lidl.co.uk/greattastenowaste

News from Ross-shire


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