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The current increase in the cost of living, and food in particular, is putting extra pressure on households. Here are some useful tips for helping to reduce food bills to make your money go further. Before you go shopping: • Do a stock take of your cupboards, fridge and freezer to see what you have. • Plan meals you are going to have for the week and think about using up leftovers. • Make a shopping list. .. and stick to it! • Set yourself a target budget. • Do not go shopping on an empty stomach. • Remember to take your bags for life to avoid paying 25p carrier bag levy When you are shopping: • Downshift your brands. If you normally buy premium brands, try shifting to a ‘regular’ brand or supermarket own brand. • Buy loose items. Pre-packed and prepared items can often cost more. Save yourself some money and buy loose fruit and vegetables in the quantities you will use. • Look at price per unit. Do not assume 'offers' are good deals. Always look at the price per unit and work out which represents the best value for money. • Don't be tempted by promotions. Check if end of aisle displays and promotions actually are good value for money and ask yourself if you really need them. Remember, it is only a good deal if you need it. At home: Food Shopping Tips Further information and advice from a number of organisations can be found on the Council’s Cost of Living page: www.fermanaghomagh.com/services/ community/cost-of-living-help/ • Check before throwing away. More than half the food we throw away can be eaten. Eating anything past the ‘use-by’ date can be risky, but ‘best before’ date is just for guidance. Use taste, sight and smell to decide but if in doubt - throw it out. • Reuse and recycle . Consider buying refills to cut down on price and waste. For further advice on help with food costs: www.consumercouncil.org.uk/consumers/help- consumers/food The ‘Shop, Cook and Save’ series aims to show how you can make healthier choices and save money by batch cooking, saving on your weekly shop, easy cooking for one, tips to use your slow cooker and storing and reheating food safely. To view these helpful videos visit youtube and search "public health agency how to shop and save" 17 www. fermanaghomagh .com