Savvy Savings: Eating and Drinking Well on a Budget

In today's economic climate, many of us are looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of our food and drink. 

It's entirely possible to eat and drink well on a budget with a bit of planning, creativity, and smart shopping. 

Here are some practical tips to help you reduce your spending while still enjoying delicious and nutritious meals.

Plan Your Meals

Meal planning is a powerful tool for saving money. By planning your meals for the week, you can avoid impulse purchases and reduce food waste.

Make a Weekly Menu: Decide on your meals for the week and make a shopping list based on the ingredients you'll need.

Use What You Have: Check your cupboards, fridge, and freezer for items that need using up and incorporate them into your meal plan.

Batch Cooking: Prepare large quantities of meals that can be portioned out and frozen. This not only saves time but also ensures you always have a homemade meal ready to go.

Shop Smart

Knowing where and how to shop can make a big difference to your food budget.

Buy in Bulk: Items like rice, pasta, and tinned goods are often cheaper when bought in larger quantities. Just make sure you'll use them before they expire.

Shop Seasonally: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are usually less expensive and fresher than out-of-season produce.

Check for Offers: Look out for sales, discounts, and multi-buy offers. But be cautious – only buy what you need or can store.

Own-Brand Products: Supermarket own-brand products are often just as good as branded ones and significantly cheaper.

Check Out Your Nearest Foodbanks: There's no shame in needing a bit of help. And you'll help the environment, too, by helping retailers move surplus stock.

Download the Too Good To Go App:

Visit Local Markets: Farmers' markets and local shops can offer fresh produce at lower prices, especially if you go near the end of the trading day when sellers may discount unsold items.

Cook at Home

Eating out and buying takeaways can quickly add up. Cooking at home is one of the best ways to save money.

Learn Basic Recipes: Master a few basic recipes that you can easily adapt with different ingredients.

Cook from Scratch: Pre-packaged foods are often more expensive and less healthy than homemade versions.

Leftover Magic: Use leftovers creatively to make new meals, such as turning roast dinner leftovers into a hearty soup or curry.

Grow Your Own

If you have the space, growing your own herbs, fruits, and vegetables can be very rewarding and cost-effective.

Herbs: Herbs are easy to grow in pots on a windowsill or balcony and can add flavour to your meals.

Vegetables: Vegetables like tomatoes, courgettes, and lettuce can be grown in small gardens or even containers.

Fruits: Berry bushes and fruit trees can provide a bountiful harvest with a little care.

Waste Not, Want Not

Reducing food waste is essential for saving money and being environmentally friendly.

Proper Storage: Learn how to store food correctly to extend its shelf life. For example, keep potatoes in a cool, dark place and store leafy greens in the fridge.

Portion Control: Avoid cooking more than you need by paying attention to portion sizes.

Use Every Part: Find ways to use all parts of your food. For example, make vegetable stock from peelings and scraps or use stale bread for breadcrumbs.

Drink Wisely

Drinks can be a significant part of your food budget, but there are ways to enjoy them without overspending.

Brew at Home: Make your own coffee and tea instead of buying from cafes.

Tap Water: Drink tap water instead of bottled water. Invest in a good filter if you prefer.

Homemade Drinks: Make homemade versions of your favourite drinks, such as smoothies, iced tea, and lemonade.

Creative Cooking Tips

Use Cheaper Cuts: Opt for less expensive cuts of meat, such as chicken thighs or pork shoulder, which can be just as tasty when cooked properly.

Plant-Based Meals: Incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. Beans, lentils, and grains are affordable and nutritious.

Flavour Boosters: Use spices, herbs, and condiments to add flavour to your meals without increasing costs significantly.

Sample Budget-Friendly Meal Plan

Monday

Breakfast: Porridge with seasonal fruit

Lunch: Lentil soup with homemade bread

Dinner: Vegetable stir-fry with rice

Tuesday

Breakfast: Toast with peanut butter and banana

Lunch: Leftover lentil soup

Dinner: Chicken and vegetable curry with homemade naan

Wednesday

Breakfast: Smoothie made with leftover fruit

Lunch: Chickpea salad with mixed greens

Dinner: Spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce and garlic bread

Thursday

Breakfast: Overnight oats with berries

Lunch: Leftover chicken curry

Dinner: Baked potatoes with beans and cheese

Friday

Breakfast: Homemade granola with yoghurt

Lunch: Vegetable and hummus wrap

Dinner: Fishcakes with steamed vegetables

Saturday

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs on toast

Lunch: Tomato and basil pasta

Dinner: Homemade pizza with assorted toppings

Sunday

Breakfast: Pancakes with maple syrup

Lunch: Quiche with a side salad

Dinner: Roast chicken with potatoes and seasonal vegetables

Conclusion

By planning your meals, shopping smart, and cooking at home, you can significantly reduce your food and drink spending while still enjoying delicious and nutritious meals. With these tips, you'll find that eating well on a budget is not only possible but also enjoyable. Happy cooking and happy saving!

Embracing Community Support: Why Families Shouldn't Feel Ashamed of Using Foodbanks. And how you can help

In recent years, foodbanks have become an increasingly essential part of our communities. As economic challenges persist, more families find themselves turning to these vital resources to ensure they have enough to eat. 

Despite the growing necessity, a sense of shame often surrounds the use of foodbanks. However, it's crucial to understand that seeking help from a foodbank is not a sign of failure or inadequacy. Here are several reasons why families should not feel ashamed of using foodbanks.

1. A Reflection of Economic Reality

The need for foodbanks often stems from broader economic issues rather than personal failure. Job insecurity, low wages, and the rising cost of living contribute to financial strain on families. According to the Trussell Trust, the number of food parcels distributed in the UK has significantly increased over the past decade. This trend highlights a systemic issue that affects countless individuals and is not a reflection of personal shortcomings.

2. A Testament to Resourcefulness

Turning to a foodbank demonstrates resourcefulness and a proactive approach to ensuring your family's well-being. Seeking assistance when needed is a practical and sensible decision. It shows that you are doing everything within your power to provide for your loved ones, which is commendable.

3. Community and Solidarity

Foodbanks are a testament to the strength and solidarity of our communities. They are often staffed by volunteers who are eager to support their neighbours. Utilising a foodbank is participating in a community effort to ensure that no one goes hungry. It is a collective endeavour that strengthens community bonds and fosters a spirit of mutual support.

4. Breaking the Stigma

The stigma surrounding foodbank use is rooted in outdated and harmful notions about poverty and self-reliance. By using and openly discussing foodbanks, families can help to normalise seeking help and challenge these stereotypes. This can pave the way for more significant societal change and a better understanding of the complexities of economic hardship.

5. Ensuring Health and Well-being

Access to nutritious food is a basic human right and is crucial for maintaining health and well-being. Foodbanks play a vital role in bridging the gap when families are unable to afford adequate nutrition. Prioritising your family's health by using a foodbank is a responsible and necessary action.

6. Advocating for Change

Every family that uses a foodbank adds to the narrative that poverty and food insecurity are pressing issues that need to be addressed. This collective voice can drive policy changes and inspire action from those in power. By using a foodbank, families contribute to a larger movement advocating for economic justice and social support systems.

Conclusion

No family should feel ashamed of using a foodbank. These vital resources are a lifeline for many and are indicative of the communal spirit and support that define our society. Embracing the help offered by foodbanks is a step towards ensuring the health and well-being of your family while contributing to a broader push for systemic change. It is time to shift the narrative and recognise the strength, resilience, and solidarity that come with seeking and accepting help.

To learn where your your nearest foodbank is or to find out how to volunteer or make a donation visit https://www.trusselltrust.org/spring-appeal-ppc/?https://www.trusselltrust.org/be-here-ppc/&gad_source=1

https://communitygrocery.org.uk/

https://www.bankuet.co.uk/find-a-foodbank

Support local charities by helping collect ‘Tonnes of Tins’ for UKHarvest

UKHarvest is excited to be a part of V2 Radio’s ‘Tonnes of Tins’ once again. 

V2 Radio, KMFM, Awaaz FM, and Fiesta FM are working together to collect as many food tins as they possibly can across Hampshire, Sussex and Kent to donate to local foodbanks, communities, and charities, like UKHarvest! 

Last year V2 Radio collected an amazingly impressive 4.8 tonnes, but this year they're looking to beat this number in the six weeks of collections until Friday 11th August. More and more people and charities are struggling now more than ever so, every tin really does count!

How does your donation help?

Every donation is added up to a grand total and distributed between local foodbanks, communities, and charities, including UKHarvest.

Their mission is to prevent food waste and food insecurity by enriching and educating our communities. We regularly support a network of over 350 local charities with quality surplus rescued food to benefit their communities.

Click here to see who else your donations would be supporting https://www.v2radio.co.uk/tonnes-of-tins-2023/

How can you get involved?

Donation Points are placed across the county at supermarkets and libraries to make it really easy and convenient for people to help support local foodbanks and charities. 

A spokesperson said: "Just pop your tins into the donation points & V2 Radio will do the rest! For a full list of donation point locations please click here https://www.v2radio.co.uk/tot-donation-points-list/?_=18848

Or check out the map here https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&mid=1kJDh5TNhJ4PxUC0Ljt26L0lAPqQR-h8&ll=51.122607874877694%2C-0.2873121642578047&z=8

Order an online food shop via a supermarket and have it delivered to the V2 Radio studios. Please ensure that the delivery is booked during office hours, so that someone will be there to receive the order!

Address: V2 Radio, Downlands House, Drayton Lane, Chichester, PO20 1EL

If you can't get to one of their  donation points or do an online shop, but you'd still like to support the appeal, you can do so by donating to V2 Radio’s Just Giving page. They’ll use the money to purchase the tins on your behalf and add them to the tonnes of tins donated. Donate here https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Tonnes-of-Tins-2023

You can help spread the word by tagging @V2RadioSussex and by using the hashtag #tonnesoftins.

Trussell Trust releases food bank figures

New annual figures from the Trussell Trust show nearly 3 million (2,986,203) food parcels were distributed, that's more than ever before and over a million of the parcels were provided for children.

The number of parcels provided between April 2022 – March 2023 is more than double the amount distributed by food banks in the same period five years previously.

The Trussell Trust has issued a call for a stronger social security system that ensures families can at least cover life’s essentials, such as food, heating, and clothing.

New figures released by the Trussell Trust reveal almost 3 million (2,986,203) emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship between April 2022 and March 2023, with over a million of these parcels provided for children.

This is the most parcels food banks in the charity’s UK-wide network have ever distributed in a single year and represents a staggering 37% increase compared to last year.  

The annual statistics also show an increasing number of people are struggling to afford the essentials, over 760,000 people used a food bank in the Trussell Trust network for the first time. This is more than the population of Sheffield and a 38% increase in people who have needed support for the first time, compared to the same period last year.  

The levels of need were particularly acute in the winter, and December 2022 was the busiest month on record for the network, with a parcel being distributed by staff and volunteers across the country every eight seconds.   

 Brian Thomas, Chief Executive at South Tyneside Foodbank, said: “We are experiencing an unprecedented rise in the number of people coming to the food bank, particularly employed people who are no longer able to balance a low income against rising living costs. 

"We’re also seeing a really high number of families needing support as people struggle to afford the essentials. Food donation levels are not keeping up with the significant increase in need and this is putting us under a lot of strain, it’s a real pressure cooker situation for food banks.”  

Speaking about the rising need for emergency food, Emma Revie, Chief Executive at the Trussell Trust, pointed out: “These new statistics are extremely concerning and show an increasing number of people are being left with no option but to turn to charitable, volunteer-run organisations to get by and this is not right.

The continued increase in parcel numbers over the last five years indicates it's ongoing low levels of income and a social security system that isn’t fit for purpose that are forcing more people to need food banks, rather than just the recent cost of living crisis or the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Food banks were created to provide short-term support to people in an emergency, they are not a lasting solution to hunger and poverty, and over three quarters of the UK population agree with us that they should not need to exist.  

“The staff and volunteers in our network work tirelessly to ensure help continues to be available, but the current situation is not one they can solve alone. 

“For too long people have been going without because social security payments don't reflect life’s essential costs and people are being pushed deeper into hardship as a result. If we are to stop this continued growth and end the need for food banks then the UK government must ensure that the standard allowance of Universal Credit is always enough to cover essential costs.” 

John, 35, has had to use a food bank when he lost his home and his job and became homeless, said: “When I was homeless, food banks saved me. They provided me with food, shower gels and other necessities I couldn’t afford. But it also gave me somewhere to go for a chat or to see someone. The kindness I was shown there, has stuck with me.  

“I currently volunteer at my local food bank as a trustee, and I help run the food bank. I work three days a week.

“I wanted to pass on the kindness I was first shown when I needed a food bank. My experience has helped me to be better equipped to understand the tough situations some people are in when they need our food bank, and I can show empathy and understanding. But ultimately, food banks shouldn’t be needed in the first place, everyone should be able to afford to buy their own food and afford the essentials.” 

The Trussell Trust’s long-term goal to end the need for food banks is one that the general public agrees with. Polling by YouGov on behalf of the Trussell Trust suggests that the public are increasingly concerned with issues related to poverty and hunger in the UK.

The majority of the UK public (77%) thinks that food banks should not be needed in the UK, with a strong majority agreeing (93%) that everyone should be able to buy enough food for themselves and their family.  

To help ensure that everyone has the income they need to afford the essentials, the Trussell Trust is calling for the UK government to act now to strengthen our social security system.  

The charity has joined with Joseph Rowntree Foundation in urging the UK government to embed in law an ‘Essentials Guarantee’ that would make sure Universal Credit payments always, at a minimum, provide enough to the cover cost of essentials such as food, utilities and vital household goods. 

Research by the charities reveals the £85 weekly Universal Credit standard allowance is at least £35 less than the weekly cost of essential items for a single person, contributing to hundreds of thousands of people being forced to use food banks because they can’t make ends meet.  

 The Essentials Guarantee would be enshrined in law and set regularly, based on an independent recommendation, and would be the first time since the welfare state was created that social security rates were based on what people need, and how much those things actually cost.

The charities calculated that a list of essential items including water bills, gas and electric, travel expenses, food items such as bread, rice and vegetables, and hygiene and cleaning products like toothpaste and washing up liquid currently costs approximately £120 per week for a single person. 

https://www.trusselltrust.org

Food industry is helping those in need

The food industry is proudly helping those in need. With retail prices souring ever higher and with no end to this unhappy situation in sight, more and more people are seeking help from food pantry schemes and food banks. Even those who wouldn't have considered themselves in need or desperate, now realise that they are, indeed, in need and desperate. 

Many people who are in the food industry read That's Food and Drink and That's Food and Drink is asking if you could, please, help out your local food banks or food pantry schemes by providing them with stocks of food.

Generally speaking they require tinned and dried goods, bakery items, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, salad items, seasoning, soft drinks, cordials, teas, coffee, etc, etc.

How do you learn where your nearest food pantry scheme or food bank project is based? Just Google "Food bank nearest me" or "food pantry schemes near me" and Google will assist you. If you are a buyer or PR officer working for a nationally based supermarket or wholesaler and you'd like to get your company involved on a national scheme we'll include some resources for you.

That's Food and Drink is involved with a couple of food banks local to us.

https://www.givefood.org.uk

https://www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk/pantry-listings

https://foodcycle.org.uk

https://www.trusselltrust.org

https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/foodbanks

https://www.feastwithus.org.uk

https://www.bankuet.co.uk/find-a-foodbank

https://www.stgilestrust.org.uk

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/using-a-food-bank

https://feedingbritain.org

https://fareshare.org.uk

Helping foodbanks or food pantry schemes is also a good way of reducing food waste, so it's good for the environment, too.