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1017 days ago

Pensioners turn to plant-based diets as food prices soar

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

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.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 77% Yes
    77% Complete
  • 21.6% No
    21.6% Complete
  • 1.4% Other - I'll share below
    1.4% Complete
851 votes
J
15 hours ago

BRAND NEW. Paid $275

Judith from Northwood

Only a week old Bought from. STIHL

Not Suitable for Us

Selling At. $150

Must Pick Up from Northwood Ch Ch

STIHL. LAWN. EDGER and 3 Spools new Skin Only

Queries

Phone no. 0274487461. Judith

17 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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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