Watch your waste says Co-operative chef Jill Weatherburn

Nov 11 2009 By Hazel Ettienne

IT’S a quick meal made out of ... well, nothing.

Because all the food used to cook up tasty treats at a food roadshow would normally have simply been thrown away.

And the roadshow came as it was revealed that the average UK household could be throwing away more than £600 a year by chucking edible food in the bin.

Gorgeous chicken rogan josh, Spanish fish stew, spicy butternut squash soup and apple tarts gave people food for thought at the conference at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium.

They were among the tasty dishes cooked up by Co-operative chef Jill Weatherburn.

Delegates – including employees and Co-op members – were given handy hints and tips on using leftovers, storing food and meal and menu planning.

Jill, who spoke to around 100 people at the event said: “I’ve been touring the country giving people ideas on how to use leftovers and get the most out of their food and store cupboard ingredients.

“Many years ago people used to cook once and eat twice – using leftovers for a second meal – and we are trying to encourage this more to reduce the amount of food waste which people are creating.”

The event was one of 46 nationwide which the Co-operative has organised as part of its support for the Government-funded Love Food Hate Waste campaign which aims to raise awareness of the need to reduce food waste, as well as providing practical tips and solutions to help consumers waste less food.