Many of us feel we’re already doing a decent job when it comes to meal planning, yet as a nation, we are guilty of throwing away $3.2 billion worth of kai every year! That's around three trollies worth of food per household! So how can we meal plan better, save money and food in the process? The answer lies in a simple 4-step approach to meal planning that makes the process easy and stress-free.

Why Meal Planning Matters

Every year, Kiwis throw away enough food to feed the entire population of Dunedin or Northland for three years, much of it perfectly good but overlooked or forgotten. At its core, meal planning is about taking control of your meals and groceries, ensuring that you only buy what you need and use up what you already have. Not only does this reduce food waste, but it also means fewer frantic mid-week trips to the store and fewer dollars spent on last-minute takeaways.

Yet, with busy schedules and endless distractions, sticking to a plan can be challenging. That’s why we’re here with a simple, foolproof four-step process to make meal planning easier than ever.

Step 1: Check your week

Start by looking ahead. Who will be home for each meal? Are there any social events or late work nights that change your usual routine? What nights might the kids be tired and grumpy after practice? Knowing this will help you plan  meals that are not only practical but also tailored to everyone’s schedule and energy levels, ensuring nothing goes to waste and everyone stays happy and fed.

Step 2: Check what you’ve got

Before you even think about heading to the store, check what’s already in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Consider how you can use up what you have, especially items nearing their use-by dates on your Eat Me First Shelf.

Step 3: Choose your meals

Choose recipes that are easy, flexible, and can cater to your household’s needs. Look for recipes that make use of similar ingredients across meals, like vegetables or grains, to minimise leftovers. You’ll also want to plan recipes where leftovers can be transformed into something new, extending the life of your ingredients.

Step 4: Create your list

Now, it’s time to create a shopping list based on your meal plan and inventory check. Make it detailed, and take it with you to the store. This ensures you don’t accidentally buy duplicates or forget something essential, saving both time and money.

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat 

Like any skill, the more you practice this meal-planning approach, the easier it becomes. Each week, try to make slight improvements and incorporate any learnings from the previous week. Before you know it, you’ll be meal-planning like a pro!