School holidays in the Bay of Plenty are the perfect time to reconnect, get creative – and save a bit of money while you’re at it, says Love Food Hate Waste NZ.

With kids home more often, the fridge seems to empty faster … but it also fills up with half-eaten snacks, forgotten leftovers and wilting veges, said a spokesperson in a statement.

Love Food Hate Waste NZ is encouraging Bay of Plenty families to turn the school break into a chance to teach tamariki about reducing food waste in fun, practical ways.

Not only will it help stretch the household budget, but it’s also a great way to care for our environment and reduce what ends up in the bin.

Three Simple Ideas to Fight Food Waste at Home

Banana Smoothie Bar

Got spotty bananas or soft fruit sitting around? Set up a DIY smoothie bar with the kids! Let them mix and match fruits with milk, yoghurt, or water – and sneak in some spinach or carrots for extra goodness. Freeze any leftovers into icy poles for a low waste treat later.

Mystery Lunch Challenge

Get the kids to whip up lunch using what’s already in the fridge or pantry. Leftover roast veg? Make fritters. Half a block of cheese? Grate it on to toasties. It’s a fun way to use things up, and a break for you from planning yet another meal.

‘Shelf Shuffle’ Game

Before you head to the shops, have the kids help you give the fridge a once-over. Create a “Use Me First” shelf so older food doesn’t get lost at the back. Bonus: It helps avoid double-ups when shopping.

Holiday Activity: Grow New Life from Food Scraps

Turn your food scraps into a fun science experiment – and even grow a few bites of your own food again!

You’ll need:

- Celery or lettuce bases, spring onion roots, or carrot tops

- A shallow bowl or jar

- Fresh water

- A sunny windowsill

How to do it:

- Place your vege scraps root-side down in the jar or dish.

- Add a little water (just covering the base).

- Put it somewhere sunny and change the water every few days.

- Watch them sprout and grow!

After a week or two, you can plant them outside or keep them on the windowsill. It’s zero-waste gardening at its best – and a great way for kids to learn where their food comes from.

This school holiday, use the time at home to teach food-saving habits that will stick for life. Small changes in your kitchen can make a big difference for your budget – and the planet.

For more low-waste meal ideas, recipes, and kid-friendly tips, visit lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz.