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1121 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
13 hours ago

Warning: These riddles might blow your mind🤯 Try them if you dare! 🚀

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What rock group consists of four famous men, but none of them sing?

Do you think you know the answer? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm.

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18 days ago

Show us what you've been up to...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Brighten our day, and show us a glimpse into your world, neighbours.

We'd love to see some of the photos you've taken lately or any craft/DIY projects you're working on.

Simply add a photo below 📷🌅 🌻

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4 hours ago

Poll: What should happen to the cathedral?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In August, restoration of the Christ Church Cathedral was put on hold. Church leaders have no idea when work might restart.

Last year, the Government declined to provide further funding beyond $25 million, and the church, who had raised $24m in donations and contributed $49m including insurance, said further public support will be required to find the revenue required.

What do you think the next steps should be for the cathedral?

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What should happen to the cathedral?
  • 14.9% Keep waiting for more funding
    14.9% Complete
  • 27.7% Continue build, but with compromises
    27.7% Complete
  • 51.1% Demolish it!
    51.1% Complete
  • 6.4% Other - I'll share below
    6.4% Complete
47 votes