Pensioners turn to plant-based diets as food prices soar
From reporter Jody O'Callaghan:
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Older Kiwis are going without meat and their usual staple foods and instead turning to plant-based alternatives as food prices soar in their highest annual increase in a decade.
Food prices have spiked to a 6 per cent increase year-on-year, according to Stats NZ, with the largest monthly increase in five years of 2.7 per cent in January.
Canterbury’s foodbank supplier is unable to meet the full demand of agencies feeding those on the breadline, and community workers are concerned about the older population who are less likely to seek help.
Staple foods like dairy and meat have become out of reach for many, and older shoppers are being taught to branch out to new alternatives like legumes.
Karen Ogg teaches older Linwood residents how to shop, budget and cook. Her tips for them include:
- Shop seasonally
- Look for the cheaper brands on the bottom shelf
- Eat a more plant-based diet, using cheaper and healthier protein options like legumes, with plenty of meat-free meals
- Buy cheaper meat in bulk and separate into portions for the freezer
- Buy canned fruit when fresh prices are too high
- Add lentils and beans to a meal to stretch it into more portions
- Soups full of vegetables left in the fridge are a good healthy and filling option.
Do you have any tips for reducing your grocery bill? Read the full story by Jody here and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77% Yes
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22.3% No
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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