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Ways You Can Reduce Food Waste at Home

  • January 6, 2025

In the UK, a household of four people wastes on average £1000 worth of food that could have been eaten every year, with fruit and veg being the most wasted.

So we want to help you stop perfectly good food from being put in the bin.  Below, you’ll find some of our top tips for reducing food waste at home!

Make a weekly menu and plan ahead

The first step to helping reduce food waste is thinking about how you buy.  Planning ahead so you only buy what you need can not only prevent waste but can also help reduce how much you spend on food.

Think before you shop – what do you need, who will be eating, what do you already have?

Keep it flexible – Things change, and life is busy, keep space in your plan for a ‘use up fridge food’ meal.

 

Make the most of what you have

Eat every bit! You don’t need to peel carrots or potatoes, give them a good wash and you can use them as they are – plus you’ll get extra goodness from them!

Use-by dates – These dates indicate when food is safe to eat. Food that is past its use-by date should not be eaten, even if it looks and smells fine.

Best-before dates – These dates indicate when food is at its best. Food that is past its best-before date can often still be eaten.

Bananas – Banana Bread – do we need to say more?

Vegetable peelings – Make your own stock by simmering in water for 20 minutes, then freeze and use when required. Or your could bake them and turn them in to crisy treats.

Left over bread – turn tortillas in to crisps by cutting in to triangles and baking, blitz old bread in to breadcrumbs or just freeze bread and it can go straight from the freezer to the toaster! And let’s not forget bread and butter pudding – you can use any bread or bakery item for this, hot cross buns, burger buns or even croissants!

Tomatoes – roast leftover tomatoes along with any other veg you have (such as aubergines, garlic, you could even hide some greens in there) in to the oven, once roasted and cool, blend in to a gorgeous tomato sauce that can be frozen or used on pasta, pizza or for dipping your chips in.

Potatoes – Cooked too many potatoes, you can turn these into pancakes, bubble and squeak, pies, waffles or croquettes.

 

Get creative and pretend you’re on ‘Ready Steady Cook’

Whether you’re a foodie or just like to experiment in the kitchen, making a meal ‘ready steady cook’ style is a great way to reduce food waste. Our volunteers have no idea what ingredients they will be cooking with until they arrive at FoodCycle, and they then work as a team to come up with creative, nutritious meals.

With a good stock of dried foods like rice, pasta, and lentils, you can get creative with your dishes and utilise all those leftovers in your fridge. Yes, even that 2-week old carrot hiding at the back!

There are plenty of apps and tools out there (we’re looking at you Chat GPT), where you can list all the ingredients you have and in seconds it will come up with a suggested recipe.  Or you can make use of our recipes page, all recipes have been submitted by FoodCycle volunteers and supporters and include things like brussel sprout pakoras, asparagus spaghetti, vegan pancakes and plenty of cakes!

 

Use your freezer

Freezing food is a great way to reduce food waste. It acts as a pause button.  It’s OK to freeze most foods as long as you check packet instructions to ensure that foods are suitable for freezing.

Some of our favourite things to freeze are…

Stocks and sauces – pop them into an ice cube tray, so they’ll be easy to pop out when you need them

Grapes – they make a lovely icy treat and you can use them like ice cubes on a hot day

Cooked pasta –put your leftovers in a bag and enjoy another day

Flour – storing flour in the freezer makes it last much longer.  When ready to use, let the flour come to room temperature before using it to avoid clumping

Freezer safety tips – make sure all food has cooled down properly before freezing and is sealed in an airtight container or bag.  If freezing shop brought food, always freeze before the use-by date.

Want to learn some tips? Volunteer with us at your local FoodCycle – our volunteers love sharing their tips on how to reduce food waste.

Have your own tips and tricks for how to reduce food waste at home? Then don’t forget to share them with us through social media or our contact form – or you can submit your recipe on our recipe page.

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This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme is community 💚

At FoodCycle, we believe that sitting down to share a meal with others can do wonders for our wellbeing.

Here’s what our guests told us:
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 83% feel happier after attending
👋 78% feel less lonely
🌍 91% have met people from different backgrounds
🏘️ 83% feel more part of their community

A warm meal, a friendly face, and a regular routine might sound simple, but they really do make a difference.

#MHAW #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #FoodCycle #ThisIsMyCommunity @MHFAEngland

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This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme is community 💚

At FoodCycle, we believe that sitting down to share a meal with others can do wonders for our wellbeing.

Here’s what our guests told us:
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 83% feel happier after attending
👋 78% feel less lonely
🌍 91% have met people from different backgrounds
🏘️ 83% feel more part of their community

A warm meal, a friendly face, and a regular routine might sound simple, but they really do make a difference.

#MHAW #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #FoodCycle #ThisIsMyCommunity @MHFAEngland

We’re thrilled to announce our new charity partnership with @wagamama_uk

With a shared belief in the power of nourishing food and human connection, wagamama will be supporting FoodCycle through generous meal donations, chef collaborations at our community meals, skill-sharing sessions for volunteers, and so much more.

From cooking side by side with our teams to inviting our guests into their restaurants, this partnership is all about community, compassion and great food.

We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.

Read more on the partnership via the link in the bio

#wagamama #foodcycle #partnership #communitymeal

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We’re thrilled to announce our new charity partnership with @wagamama_uk

With a shared belief in the power of nourishing food and human connection, wagamama will be supporting FoodCycle through generous meal donations, chef collaborations at our community meals, skill-sharing sessions for volunteers, and so much more.

From cooking side by side with our teams to inviting our guests into their restaurants, this partnership is all about community, compassion and great food.

We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.

Read more on the partnership via the link in the bio

#wagamama #foodcycle #partnership #communitymeal

This June, we’re teaming up with our friends at Eden Communities to celebrate food, friendship and FUN – and we want you in on it!

Whether it’s a garden picnic, a street party, or a tea and cake kind of vibe, The Big Lunch is your chance to bring people together and raise funds for FoodCycle while you’re at it 💚

👯‍♀️ Host with your housemates
🌞 Picnic in the park with pals
🏡 Invite the neighbours round
🍰 Or bring the party to your workplace

However you do it, you`re helping us fight food waste, tackle loneliness and serve up more delicious community meals across the UK.

📦 Grab your free Big Lunch Pack and get planning – link in bio!

@edencommunities

#TheBigLunch #foodcycle #community #communitymeal

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This June, we’re teaming up with our friends at Eden Communities to celebrate food, friendship and FUN – and we want you in on it!

Whether it’s a garden picnic, a street party, or a tea and cake kind of vibe, The Big Lunch is your chance to bring people together and raise funds for FoodCycle while you’re at it 💚

👯‍♀️ Host with your housemates
🌞 Picnic in the park with pals
🏡 Invite the neighbours round
🍰 Or bring the party to your workplace

However you do it, you're helping us fight food waste, tackle loneliness and serve up more delicious community meals across the UK.

📦 Grab your free Big Lunch Pack and get planning – link in bio!

@edencommunities

#TheBigLunch #foodcycle #community #communitymeal

🎉 A huge well done to FoodCycle Hartlepool for their very first themed night! 🎉

The evening was a fantastic success, thanks to the amazing effort of the Hartlepool volunteers who went above and beyond to make it extra special. Decorations, table snacks, and thoughtful touches helped create a brilliant atmosphere for their guests. 💛

A big thank you to their regular volunteer from Quorn for the fantastic donation of Quorn burgers, which were a real hit. 🍔

And a huge shout out to Morrisons Hartlepool for their incredible support. Their donations of cookies and dips made the meal even more memorable and will continue to help with future meals too. 🍪✨

It is wonderful to see the Hartlepool team showing the power of community spirit through food and friendship.

Don`t forget to tag us in all your posts, we love to see what our projects are creating for their communities.

#hartlepool #foodcycle #morrisons #quorn

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🎉 A huge well done to FoodCycle Hartlepool for their very first themed night! 🎉

The evening was a fantastic success, thanks to the amazing effort of the Hartlepool volunteers who went above and beyond to make it extra special. Decorations, table snacks, and thoughtful touches helped create a brilliant atmosphere for their guests. 💛

A big thank you to their regular volunteer from Quorn for the fantastic donation of Quorn burgers, which were a real hit. 🍔

And a huge shout out to Morrisons Hartlepool for their incredible support. Their donations of cookies and dips made the meal even more memorable and will continue to help with future meals too. 🍪✨

It is wonderful to see the Hartlepool team showing the power of community spirit through food and friendship. 

Don't forget to tag us in all your posts, we love to see what our projects are creating for their communities.

#hartlepool #foodcycle #morrisons #quorn

Help us make a difference!

We would love it if you could nominate FoodCycle for a Movement for Good Health and Wellbeing Award. It only takes a minute and could help us support even more communities with free, nutritious meals.

Nominations close on 4th May – nominate us here: https://health.movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=1134423&ct=health#nominateACharity

Thank you for your support! 💚

@benefactgroup #Healthandwellbeing #foodcycle #community #socialgood #movementforgood

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Help us make a difference!

We would love it if you could nominate FoodCycle for a Movement for Good Health and Wellbeing Award. It only takes a minute and could help us support even more communities with free, nutritious meals.

Nominations close on 4th May – nominate us here: https://health.movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=1134423&ct=health#nominateACharity

Thank you for your support! 💚

@benefactgroup #Healthandwellbeing #foodcycle #community #socialgood #movementforgood

We were absolutely delighted to be selected as one of 20 charities supported by Overbury’s 2025 Charity Quiz.

Held at Westminster Park Plaza in February, the event brought together 100 teams from across the construction industry, raising an incredible £500,000 for charity through an evening of quiz rounds, connection and generosity.

A huge thank you to Overbury and all the event sponsors for their fantastic support.

And a special shout out to Rebecca Bradshaw, Overbury staff member and dedicated FoodCycle volunteer, for nominating us – we’re so grateful.

@overburyplc

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We were absolutely delighted to be selected as one of 20 charities supported by Overbury’s 2025 Charity Quiz.

Held at Westminster Park Plaza in February, the event brought together 100 teams from across the construction industry, raising an incredible £500,000 for charity through an evening of quiz rounds, connection and generosity.

A huge thank you to Overbury and all the event sponsors for their fantastic support.

And a special shout out to Rebecca Bradshaw, Overbury staff member and dedicated FoodCycle volunteer, for nominating us – we’re so grateful.

@overburyplc

Less than 24 hours to double your impact.

There’s still time to donate through the Big Give Green Match Fund and have your gift matched pound for pound.

We have just over £800 left to raise to unlock all of our match funding. Every donation will be matched while funds are available – meaning double the meals and double the impact for the people we support.

Many of our guests are struggling with the cost of living, with 75% finding it difficult to afford food or pay for their housing. Your support can make a real difference.

💚 76% of our guests report eating more fruit and vegetables
💚 83% feel happier after attending a FoodCycle meal
💚 78% feel less lonely

By donating today, you`re helping us do more than just provide food. You are helping us build community, improve wellbeing, and save good food from going to waste.

Donate now and help us reach our target.
Head to the link in the bio!

@biggiveorg #greenprojects #greenmatchfund #foodcycle #fightfoodwaste

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Less than 24 hours to double your impact.

There’s still time to donate through the Big Give Green Match Fund and have your gift matched pound for pound.

We have just over £800 left to raise to unlock all of our match funding. Every donation will be matched while funds are available – meaning double the meals and double the impact for the people we support.

Many of our guests are struggling with the cost of living, with 75% finding it difficult to afford food or pay for their housing. Your support can make a real difference.

💚 76% of our guests report eating more fruit and vegetables
💚 83% feel happier after attending a FoodCycle meal
💚 78% feel less lonely

By donating today, you're helping us do more than just provide food. You are helping us build community, improve wellbeing, and save good food from going to waste.

Donate now and help us reach our target.
Head to the link in the bio! 

@biggiveorg #greenprojects #greenmatchfund #foodcycle #fightfoodwaste

🌍💚 It’s a BIG week… The Big Give Green Match Fund is here! 💚🌍⁠
⁠
From today until 29th April, every donation to FoodCycle through The Big Give will be DOUBLED, helping us grow our environmental impact through community dining.⁠
⁠
By turning surplus food into hot, healthy meals, we’re:⁠
♻️ Tackling food waste⁠
🌱 Cutting carbon emissions⁠
🍽️ Feeding communities in need⁠
⁠
In 2024, we saved 320 tonnes of food from waste, stopping 200,000kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Imagine what we can do with YOUR help, doubled.⁠
⁠
Donate today and be part of something greener, kinder and more connected.⁠
⁠
Link in bio to give.⁠
⁠
#donate #causes #giveback #socialgood #environment #biggive #thebiggive #foodcycle

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🌍💚 It’s a BIG week… The Big Give Green Match Fund is here! 💚🌍⁠
⁠
From today until 29th April, every donation to FoodCycle through The Big Give will be DOUBLED, helping us grow our environmental impact through community dining.⁠
⁠
By turning surplus food into hot, healthy meals, we’re:⁠
♻️ Tackling food waste⁠
🌱 Cutting carbon emissions⁠
🍽️ Feeding communities in need⁠
⁠
In 2024, we saved 320 tonnes of food from waste, stopping 200,000kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Imagine what we can do with YOUR help, doubled.⁠
⁠
Donate today and be part of something greener, kinder and more connected.⁠
⁠
Link in bio to give.⁠
⁠
#donate #causes #giveback #socialgood #environment #biggive #thebiggive #foodcycle

Do you leave a treat out for Father Christmas? Well, the Easter Bunny deserves some love too. 🥕🐰⁠
⁠
We think this carrot cake recipe is perfect for Easter weekend. ⁠
⁠
Did you know you can scale this recipe up or down by changing the number of portions?⁠
⁠
Try it yourself via the link in the bio.⁠
⁠
Make sure to tag us in any of your baking creations. ⁠
⁠
#CarrotCake #EasterBunny #EasterReciope #EasterTreat #Cakes #EasterFood #FoodCycle

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Do you leave a treat out for Father Christmas? Well, the Easter Bunny deserves some love too. 🥕🐰⁠
⁠
We think this carrot cake recipe is perfect for Easter weekend. ⁠
⁠
Did you know you can scale this recipe up or down by changing the number of portions?⁠
⁠
Try it yourself via the link in the bio.⁠
⁠
Make sure to tag us in any of your baking creations. ⁠
⁠
#CarrotCake #EasterBunny #EasterReciope #EasterTreat #Cakes #EasterFood #FoodCycle

Double your impact. Fight food waste. Feed communities. 💚⁠
⁠
We’re thrilled to be part of The Big Give Green Match Fund, launching next Tuesday!⁠
⁠
🌱 From 22nd to 29th April, every pound you donate to FoodCycle through The Big Give will be match-funded.⁠
⁠
In partnership with the Environmental Funders Network (EFN), this incredible campaign supports charities tackling urgent environmental issues – and we’re proud to be one of them.⁠
⁠
Your donations will help us:⁠
🥦 Rescue surplus food⁠
🍽️ Serve hot, nutritious meals⁠
🤝 Bring communities together⁠
⁠
Let’s turn food waste into something wonderful.⁠
⁠
🔗 Find out more and get ready to donate via the link in the bio⁠
⁠
#TheBigGive #GreenMatchFund #FoodCycle #Sustainable #Comunity #GreenProjects

48 0
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Double your impact. Fight food waste. Feed communities. 💚⁠
⁠
We’re thrilled to be part of The Big Give Green Match Fund, launching next Tuesday!⁠
⁠
🌱 From 22nd to 29th April, every pound you donate to FoodCycle through The Big Give will be match-funded.⁠
⁠
In partnership with the Environmental Funders Network (EFN), this incredible campaign supports charities tackling urgent environmental issues – and we’re proud to be one of them.⁠
⁠
Your donations will help us:⁠
🥦 Rescue surplus food⁠
🍽️ Serve hot, nutritious meals⁠
🤝 Bring communities together⁠
⁠
Let’s turn food waste into something wonderful.⁠
⁠
🔗 Find out more and get ready to donate via the link in the bio⁠
⁠
#TheBigGive #GreenMatchFund #FoodCycle #Sustainable #Comunity #GreenProjects
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Find your local Community meal

FoodCycle Head Office

  • 2.16, The Food Exchange
    New Covent Garden Market
    London, SW8 5EL
  • t: 020 7729 2775
  • e: [email protected]
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FoodCycle Head Office

  • 2.16, The Food Exchange
    New Covent Garden Market
    London, SW8 5EL
  • t: 020 7729 2775
  • e: [email protected]

Links

  • Find a Meal
  • Community Meals
  • Who We Are
  • Fundraise

Follow us

Instagram Facebook Linkedin Tiktok

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

© FoodCycle 2022

Registered charity No. 1134423
Company limited by guarantee no. 7101349

Website by me&you