Ocado and Beano join forces to tackle household food waste through an innovative cookbook.
- The cookbook features creative recipes using commonly wasted foods, suitable for families.
- Adventurer Ben Fogle collaborates, sharing insights on prolonging the life of groceries.
- New research indicates parents rarely discuss food waste, despite children’s environmental awareness.
- The initiative includes educational plans for schools, reinforcing sustainable cooking practices.
In a unique collaboration, Ocado and Beano are addressing household food waste through their first-ever cookbook. This initiative aims to inspire families to be more creative in the kitchen while reducing waste. The cookbook is set to offer a playful take on cooking, featuring recipes like Nearly Gone-offee Pie and Bangers and Gnash, utilising commonly wasted foods such as bananas and bread.
Ben Fogle, who has contributed to the launch, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “As an avid Beano reader as a child, it’s fantastic to now be part of a real Beano comic strip, as well as their first ever cookbook with Ocado.” Fogle emphasises the importance of teaching children how to maximise the lifespan of fresh ingredients and enjoy the cooking process.
The research conducted by Ocado highlights that a significant portion of parents have not engaged their children in discussions about food waste, despite 66% acknowledging their children as more knowledgeable on environmental issues than they were at the same age. Additionally, it reveals that 37% of children show an interest in family cooking activities.
To further entrench sustainable practices, the collaboration includes Beano for Schools lesson plans aimed at young students, enriching their understanding of food consumption and waste. These plans are designed for Key Stages 1 and 2, ensuring early education on these crucial issues.
Rachel Cox-Reynolds, Director of Sustainability at Ocado Retail, reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability: “Helping families make their food go further is a big priority for us.” Furthermore, Ocado’s groceries are noted for having the longest average time left before use-by dates, as per Which? research.
The cookbook not only seeks to reduce food waste but also engages families in enjoyable, sustainable cooking practices.
