Cut down on food waste. Plan your meals and save.

Food waste significantly impacts the environment and our planet, but it also impacts our wallet. In fact, studies show that in Canada, 63% of food tossed in the garbage or compost bin could have been consumed. As a result, the average Canadian family wastes 140 kg of food on an annual basis, which is equal to a whooping $1,100!

Did you know that you can reduce your food waste and save money simply by planning your weekly meals in advance? 

Here are 5 tips to help you plan better . . . and save more!

 Make a list

The first thing to do before heading to the grocery store is to make a list. Ideally, organize your list according to where items are found in your grocery store. Take the time to properly plan your meals by going through the weekly flyers. Need a vegetable to serve with your fish? Opt for whatever’s on special that week! 

Also take the time to think about your lunches and snacks. Last night’s leftover macaroni will make a tasty lunch, while the roasted chicken you made on Saturday can easily be transformed into this succulent chicken minestrone soup or this tasty chicken and apple sandwich. By planning your meals, you’ll realize that buying a bunch of deli meats for your lunches isn’t necessary—leftovers are always a great option! If you’re not a fan of leftovers, make sure to plan your portions accordingly, to avoid wasting any extras. 

And finally, take stock of what’s already in your fridge and pantry. No use buying orange juice or yogurt if you still have some left over from last week. The golden rule: empty your shelves before buying more.

Double up

While you’re putting together your list, try to think of ingredients that can be used in a variety of recipes. Challenge yourself to incorporate the same product into at least two of your weekly meals. For example, the fish used in your Trois fois par jour salmon and fettuccine Alfredo dish can also be used to make a delicious salmon and avocado BLT. Or the broccoli that you served with your tofu and the celery you cut up for lunch can be transformed into a delicious broccoli soup, the leftover baguette used to make your ham sandwich can be turned into mini bread puddings with pears and dates, and Tuesday night’s pulled pork can become Thursday night’s shepherd's pie. 

Download the FoodHero app

Are you familiar with FoodHero? It’s a free app that can help you save money and reduce food waste. FoodHero lets you buy surplus food nearing its expiration date at discounted prices. Simply download the app, select your favourite store, and get access to amazing deals that’ll help you plan your weekly meals with efficiency and ease. See something you like? Add it to your cart, complete your transaction in complete security, and pick it up in-store. Easy as 1-2-3!

And that’s not all! The app also lets you accumulate points to benefit from exclusive discounts, and follow statistics, such as the amount of money and CO2 emissions saved. With the FoodHero app, you’ll become a food waste hero with more money in your pockets!

Think backwards

Be creative! Instead of thinking about what to buy for the coming week, let yourself be inspired by the ingredients you already have on hand. Your kitchen is a world of possibilities. Frozen chicken breasts + frozen corn = everything you need to prepare a Mexican fiesta! By taking stock of what you have available before starting to prepare, say these delicious burritos, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also ensure none of your food goes to waste!

Stick to the plan

Once you’ve established and written down what you need at the grocery store, stick to the plan! Think of yourself as a race car driver who needs to get from point A to point B as efficiently as possible. Just need to pick up fruits, vegetables, and meat? Then avoid the centre aisles, where you’ll be tempted by impulsive buys, such as crackers or cereal.

Are you suddenly in the mood to buy perfectly ripe Anjou pears? Then just swap them out for the apples that were originally on your list. Just remember to not over-buy; a surplus of food means some things will just end up in the compost bin . . . and that’s a waste of food AND money!