But that is the value of food waste the average Australian household chucks out every year.

It’s a staggering figure, and one of many statistics Hidden Harvest members hope will get people talking at a food waste discussion event on Wednesday.

The informal canapes and conversation evening is designed to stir discussion about avoidable food waste, with food on the night made from ingredients that would otherwise have gone to waste.

Event co-ordinator Nicci Bedson said the event would feature an interactive wall covered with waste-reducing ideas and actions people can use every day.

Reducing waste didn’t have to involve huge lifestyle changes, it was more about creating small habits, she said.

‘‘It can be something simple like checking the fridge before you go shopping so you don’t double up on items you already have,’’ she said.

Ms Bedson said perfectly edible items were often overlooked or rejected because of small blemishes or odd shapes.

‘‘It doesn’t matter what it looks like, it matters what it tastes like,’’ she said. ‘‘We’d love people who are aware of their waste to perhaps bring along their friends who might not be as aware,’’ Ms Bedson said.

The event will be held at Beast and Bread from 6pm on Wednesday with entry by donation. See the Hidden Harvest Australia Facebook page for more information.

 *Australians discard up to 20per cent of the food they purchase.

 *Up to 40per cent of the average household bin is food.

 *The average Australian household throws out $1036 worth of food every year.

 *Each year Australians throw out 345kilograms of food waste per household.

* Source: foodwise.com.a