Reduce Waste, Save Money
Planning
Over 50% of New Zealanders say that planning efficiently helps them to reduce their food waste. But let’s face it—life doesn’t always go as planned. That home-cooked dinner on Thursday might turn into a catch-up with friends, and Friday takeaways? They’re practically a tradition. So, stay flexible— save money, and follow our four simple steps to proper meal planning!
Step 1: Check your week
Hot tip: When you don’t check who you’re feeding, you risk buying more than you need or missing out on essentials for specific meals. A simple check can prevent waste and save you from those “there’s nothing-for-dinner” moments.
Step 2: Check what you’ve got
Hot Tip: We have seen it all—a lonely piece of broccoli left to wilt in the back of the fridge, jars of sauce piled in the pantry, or a bag of rice that’s been bought five times over. Don’t fall into this trap; get to know your inventory!
Step 3: Choose your meals
Hot Tip: We suggest choosing recipes that match your time and energy levels for each day. If you’re always pressed for time on Wednesdays, maybe that’s the night for a quick pasta or stir-fry rather than an elaborate roast.
Step 4: Make a Shopping List
Hot Tip: No list? That’s when the trouble begins. We see lists as the unsung heroes of great meal planning. They keep you focused, efficient, and far less likely to let impulse buys derail your week’s plan. So make sure you take a photo on your phone or save to an app the whole family can access.
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.
