Food & food waste

Use what is already in the kitchen

Check the food you already have before shopping. Make a short list and plan a meal around ingredients that need using. Follow storage and use-by instructions.

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7-day challenge

Follow the tasks at your own pace. Tick a day after trying its task or an accessible alternative. You can pause and return; seven days of practice do not guarantee a lasting habit. Reflections can stay in your head or on paper — nothing is sent.

Start with the first task below. Tick it after trying it.

Next task: Day 1 — Notice & choose

Check your kitchen and choose one food that needs using soon. Follow its storage instructions and use-by date.

Day 1 · Notice & chooseCheck your kitchen and choose one food that needs using soon. Follow its storage instructions and use-by date.Day 2 · Try itPlan and prepare a meal with that ingredient if it is safe to eat. Notice what you did not need to buy.Day 3 · Make it easierBefore shopping, check your supplies and make a short list. If you are not shopping, plan your next meal.Day 4 · AdaptWhat made the plan difficult: time, portions or preferences? Adjust one thing for the next meal.Day 5 · Take another stepPlan a suitable portion. If there are leftovers, store them promptly following food-safety guidance; never keep unsafe food.Day 6 · RepeatUse a safely stored ingredient or leftover in a meal, following its instructions. Skip this step if nothing is suitable.Day 7 · Reflect & continueThink of one food you used well and one planning difficulty. Choose a small routine to continue before shopping.

If the action is not possible today, note the barrier and choose a small alternative. This is reflection, not a test.