Central Coast Council is helping local households reduce food waste and save money thanks to $20,000 of funding received from NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver the Food Smart Program.

Council has already engaged with local childcare centres and primary schools to educate young families with children, who usually throw out more than the national average of $3,800 worth of food every year.

Council Unit Manager Learning and Education, Beth Burgess is encouraging locals who would like to learn effective and easy techniques to reduce food waste, while helping the environment and their hip pocket to register for the program.

“Food waste still accounts for over a third of the rubbish in the average Australian household bin and is estimated to cost the Australian economy $20 billion each year,” Mrs Burgess said.

“We can all play our part to help minimise the problem through simple techniques and habits, which our residents can learn by signing up to this very worthwhile program.

“After completing the Food Smart Program 91 per cent of families reported being more aware of food waste, 89 per cent reduced their food waste, and 78 per cent saved money on groceries.

“Those who register will receive a free pack that includes a reusable shopping bag, tea towel, bag clips, reusable food covers and planning tools, after completion of an initial survey.”

Those interested can register their interest by emailing foodsmart@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Mayor Jane Smith emphasised food waste had become a critical environmental issue on a global scale, which Council is addressing on a local level through the Green theme of the Community Strategic Plan (CSP).

“If food waste were a country it would be the third biggest source of carbon pollution, accounting for eight per cent of the world’s greenhouse gases,” Mayor Smith added.

“Additionally, when we waste food we are also wasting all the energy and resources it took to grow, raise, store, package and transport that food.

“Through our consultation to develop the first ever Community Strategic Plan, our community told us maintaining our natural assets and environmental resources for the future must be a priority and education is a crucial component of this goal.

“This program further helps us meet our objective of increasing community awareness and instilling behaviour change around sustainable living, including waste avoidance.

“Change on these massive issues often starts at grass roots level with everyday people like you and me - if you don’t know how to make a change I would encourage you to register for this very worthwhile program.”

Visit lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au for more information and tips to reduce food waste.

Funding is provided through Love Food, Hate Waste, a component of the NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded by the waste levy.