Helen Havryliv and Hayley Macfarlane from Nutrition Australia are teaching people how to waste less food. Picture: ADAM McLEAN
More than $1000 of food is thrown out each year in the average Illawarra household, prompting a campaign by nutritionists to make sure consumers buy and use only what they need.
Nutrition Australia dietitian Hayley Macfarlane was in Wollongong this week to promote a statewide tour sponsored by Woolworths Supermarkets to show customers how to be less wasteful, save money and reduce the impact on the environment.
The tour, which will visit Wollongong on Monday, will give shoppers tips on how to read nutrition information panels, use-by and best-before dates as well as understand nutrient and health claims.
Nutritionists will also offer advice on saving money on grocery shopping, planning healthy seasonally based menus, using leftovers and correct food storage.
Nutrition Australia (NSW) spokesman Orla Hugueniot said shoppers could be confused by mixed messages about healthy eating and sustainable foods.
The travelling nutritionists and dietitians were taking the "ethical bite" out of grocery shopping, he said.
"Our mission is empowering the community to achieve sustainable, healthy lifestyles."
To register online for Monday's visit, go to www.nutritionaustralia.org/nsw/ethical-bites.
For more information or to order the Supermarket Tour Workbook, email hmacfarlane@nutritionaustralia.org.
