October's Tip – Save time, money & food

Planning your meals in advance and shopping around them can save time, money and food waste

Make a weekly shopping list – this will help manage the fridge and freezer to save having to shop too often or waste too much food

The kitchen cupboard is the nerve centre of your kitchen - keep it well stocked and you will save time dashing to the shops for that single ingredient and will always have a delicious meal at hand even when the fridge is looking bare

Store cupboard essentials (for example)– oil, pasta, rice, flour, noodles, cous cous, tinned tomatoes, tinned pulses, sugar, tomato puree, herbs & spices, pizza crusts, tortillas, stock cubes, stir fry sauces, curry paste, honey, yeast extract…

..Know your date labels…….

'Use by' - Food can be eaten up to the end of the ‘use by’ date, but not after even if it looks and smells fine

'Best Before' - These dates refer to quality rather than food safety. When the date is passed, the food won’t be unsafe but might begin to lose its flavour and texture. One exception is eggs – never eat eggs after the ‘best before’ date

'Display Until' - You can ignore these dates as they are for shop staff not shoppers

For all foods - Always follow on pack storage guidance and instructions such as "eat within three days of opening"

To extend the life of food beyond its date, freeze it before the date and defrost and use it within 24 hours