Middlesbrough households are taking part in the national Food Waste Action Week from 9 March to 15 March 2026 to help lower their grocery bills and protect the environment in the Tees Valley. The local campaign is led by Middlesbrough Environment City, which is an independent charity focused on community health and food sustainability. This week-long event encourages residents to plan their meals better and find new ways to use leftovers under the 2026 theme “Make Your Food Go Further.”
The initiative comes as many families struggle with the rising cost of living across the region. According to research from WRAP, the average family of four in the UK throws away around £1,000 worth of food every year. Across the country, households bin about 4.4 million tonnes of food that could have been eaten.
Residents are being asked to use simple tips from the Love Food Hate Waste campaign to make their food go further. This includes planning weekly meals before shopping and learning how to store food properly so it stays fresh for longer. By reducing waste, the community can also help lower local greenhouse gas emissions.
Middlesbrough Environment City has spent over 30 years supporting the local community through projects like gardening and affordable heating. The charity is helping people prevent food waste while focusing on practical ways to save money. This national effort aims to show that small changes at home can make a big difference to both bank balances and the planet.
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