Cowra Shire Council is looking to transform Cowra residents into lovers of leftover foods to prevent food waste.
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“The cold hard facts around this are incredible, if we can get people to learn how to use leftover foods or compost it this is a real good educational program,” Cr Bruce Miller said.
The Council is setting aside $12,000 to develop and conduct 13 workshops with schools and community organisations to reduce food waste within the Cowra Shire.
“It will not only cut down on the waste of food and the costs associated with it, this is a really good deal for council financially.
“It’ll be interesting to see what the take-up will be,” Cr Miller said.
Cowra Shire Director of Corporate Services Michael Jones said under the program Cowra Shire Council will partner with a group called “Leftover Lovers” who are a community organisation that offer workshops teaching better use of food, reduction of food waste and recipes to ensure waste reduction.
Mr Jones said Cowra Shire is looking to hold a series of workshops in the community and with the local schools to reach an audience of approximately 400 community members.
“In NSW, food waste makes up to 38% of the total rubbish in household garbage bins, an estimated $1,036 per household per year (www.foodwise.com.au),” Mr Jones said.
“One reason given for this waste was that householders didn’t know how to use their leftovers. “Leftover Lovers” will hold workshops with primary and high school students, community groups and a public demonstration and talk on how to reduce food waste.
“The workshops vary in design to accommodate the audience, some providing hands-on cooking options,” he said.
Mr Jones said feedback from Cowra schools and teachers has indicated a strong interest in developing further education packages that include decreasing waste, local recycling concerns, recycling within the school and ongoing environmental issues.
“Discussions identified food waste as a big issue for schools,” he said.
“Engaging the “Leftover Lovers” team will further develop the work done in this area.”
Cr Judi Smith described the program as “a starter”.
“Perhaps we could go on to the food outlets and go on to bigger and better things if this is successful,” Cr Smith said.
Cr Ray Walsh said he hoped the program encouraged people to only buy what they need.
“A lot of impulse buys don’t get used, this is a good thing,” he said.
The workshops are planned for September this year.