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Money Week blog of the day – ‘Waste Not, Want Not’ on all things food

They say you are what you eat and eating well can be a struggle, especially if you’re not used to meal planning or thinking too much about ingredients. Eating well on a budget is even trickier, and often the healthier options can be more expensive, but not if you start from scratch. As part of National Student Money Week’s campaign ‘Waste not, Want not’, we have collated a few of our Student Advice favourite foody tips and ideas to help you on your way and get those creative juices flowing…..

What’s happening in my community?

Lots more than we probably know about, so ask around and keep your eyes peeled.

Like shopping locally and ethically? Give markets a go. They usually run on a weekday or for more fancy and specialist foods try a farmers market, which are usually at weekends. They may not be the cheapest but they are usually locally and ethically sourced. The Open Market in Brighton has a range of food stalls and plenty of quirky and affordable eateries. Local to Eastbourne, the Community Wise Farmers Market sells a wide variety of local produce and crafts.

If you’re after a bin end bargain, shops like ESK (Hastings & Eastbourne) and the Cheap Shop (Hastings) have some good deals on store cupboard goods and treats as well as the plentiful budget store outlets. Don’t be fooled by the ‘best before’ vs ‘use by’ trap as many things past their best before are still safe to eat, notably dry goods and non perishables (though many shops won’t sell ‘best before’ items).  Looking for something alternative? Infinity foods in Brighton or Oh My Goodness in Eastbourne sell plenty of vegan, vegetarian and wholefood delights as well as specilaist dietary alternatives.

For those of you who like a dining out expereince, in Eastbourne…Sussex Downs College has a Bistro where you can eat on on the cheap – £6 for 2 course, £8 for 3. Check their website for more information or our very own university Culinary Arts Studio opens it’s doors for cheap tasty eats at certain times of the year. Subscribe for all the latest news.
Like restaurant food at budget prices? Us too. Download this app to find out which restaurants are sharing their best before bites: http://toogoodtogo.co.uk/ – it’s a nationwide incentive so you can grab grub on the move, wherever you are. Or try a Real Junk Food Cafe where you can pay what you feel.

Food sharing app: https://olioex.com/ – £free food up for grabs!

And don’t forget to flash your NUS card every time you got to Coop for a 10% discount.

Foodbanks

These are an option if you have run out of money and the cupborad is bare. They may only be open once a week and you need a voucher or a referral. You can use these if you are in need, or if you have some items you’d like to donate.

Brighton – speak to Student Advice at Falmer, Grand Parade or Moulsecoomb

Hastings – speak to Rob or Lorraine in Student Services

Eastbourne – speak to Rob in Student Services

If you’re more about volunteering and supporting a local charity, faresharesussex.org.uk/  collect and donate food to community groups and organisations and are all about tackling food waste.

Looking for inspiration for some new exciting recipe ideas?

Check out Brighton and Hove Food Partnership’s Healthy Eating on a budget info:  New Eating on a Budget Leaflet June 2015-27kby0h or  Savvy Shopper cookbook

Our very own UoB student and recipe blogger Paige Daley has some delicious student friendly meals here: http://www.daleyeats.com/ as well as great suggestions for the student essentials recipe repertoire and some waste saving tips and tricks – you’ll never (accidentally) over-portion pasta again!

TV chef Jack Monroe https://cookingonabootstrap.com/ – cooking with limited means
Microwave meals can sometimes work out cheaper, http://studenthacks.co.uk/food-kitchen/9-tasty-meals-you-can-cook-in-the-microwave-502.html – quick easy microwave meals

What’s happening on my campus?

Pop along to the Money Week stall today outside Aldrich library, Cockcroft between 12 – 2 or Sprinters canteen in Eastbourne also between  12 – 2

We’re running pop up information stalls all week, click here for more info about what’s happening and our exciting competition. We’ve got lots of great advice, resources and freebies. Fancy having a go at growing your own? Our lovely freinds at Wahaca and Brighton Seed Swap have donated some free seeds which we’ll be giving away.
Read up about all the fantasatic work our Sustainability team do, especially the amazing Food Coop .

 

 

 

 

 

And a really interesting film about food sourcing in university food outlets here

What about food waste reduction incentives?

The Grocer has an excellent article about getting wonky and other waste-cutting incentives

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall Hugh’s war on waste  – food waste reduction campaign

Mindful chef –  http://blog.mindfulchef.com/love-food-hate-waste/

Eat for Victory – thrifty recipes, eating seasonally, meal planning and organic veg on a budget

Tesco love food hate waste campaign – meal planning resources and leftover ideas

Big thanks to our very own mini green team – Vera at Brighton and Food Partnership, Lucy in the Sustainability team and Paige for helping us with some of these fantatsic ideas