Star comment: Let’s learn from frugal war years

Is it turkey sandwiches for a couple of days, followed by turkey broth? Or have you already put it all in the bin uneaten on the grounds that it is now “old” and unfit to eat?

Every year the average British household throws away hundreds of pounds worth of food which could have been safely eaten. This is a massive waste and, when people are going hungry, many will see it as immoral as well.

Happily there is something of an awakening on this issue, which extends beyond households and into supermarkets who for one reason or another find they have food they no longer want.

The Shrewsbury Food Hub is among those who are leading the way to a better way.

The hub collects from eight supermarkets around the town, and then its team visits various groups, homeless centres, and charities, giving out the food which is past its sell-by date but is still fit to eat.

Meanwhile food banks across Britain are using donated food and giving it to those who are in need.

Despite the efforts, the problem of needless food waste remains a big problem. When you are in a land of plenty – these things are relative, naturally – then the value of food and goods is perhaps not as valued as it should be.

Those who know the value are those who are in most need and facing hardship. During the war, and the post-war years of austerity and continued rationing, people looked after things, did not throw out good food, and would recycle material and old clothes – clothes were covered by rationing.

They would not simply go out to the shops and buy more or buy new, as we tend to do today, because the culture was different then, and they probably couldn’t afford it anyway.

The modern throwaway culture is pervasive. Nobody seems to repair anything any more – just ask somebody who works on the skips and they will tell you they are amazed at what people throw away.

Supermarkets often come in for criticism for their offers which encourage customers to buy more than they realistically need, but consumers also must take their share of responsibility.

Food banks and the volunteers and organisers of the Shrewsbury Food Hub are doing a great job. Tackling the issue of needless waste, like charity, can start at home. And perhaps a good waste-busting New Year resolution would be to buy what you need, and to use what you buy.