VOLUNTEERS from Food WasteBuster clubs have been given specialist training in a bid to tackle the increasing amount of food waste in Essex.

Staff and volunteers from some 20 clubs which have been set up across the county aim to target thousands of people in Colchester and Basildon.

Essex County Council has commissioned the Children’s Food Trust to set up, train and support the volunteers.

As well as sharing healthy cooking techniques, tips and recipes, the new clubs will have a specific focus on household food waster.

The council’s deputy leader Kevin Bentley said: : “Unfortunately food waste still makes up a significant amount of ‘household waste in Essex.

Education is vital in achieving our aims so I am delighted we are linking up with the Children’s Food Trust on this programme and hope it will have a positive effect on people’s food waste habits.

“By reducing the amount of food we needlessly buy, re-using any leftovers and recycling what is left, we can go a long way to achieving a better, greener Essex.”

The 20 clubs hope to reach a combined audience of 3,000 people in a year.

Spokesman for the Children’s Food Trust Liz Thrussell said: “Whenever we run cooking sessions looking at food waste and cooking with leftovers, everyone is surprised at just how much food we waste in our homes – often without really thinking about it.

“But with a bit of planning, creativity and some basic cooking skills, there’s so much we can all do to throw away less, save money and eat really well.”

For more information visit recycleforessex.com