Foodbanks have teamed up with North Somerset Council to offer free healthy eating and budgeting courses to improve recycling rates and reduce waste.

Anti-poverty charity The Trussell Trust’s Eat Well, Spend Less courses are funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government, and aim to reduce the amount of household food waste produced – which could save families up to £700 a year.

Councillor Peter Bryant, North Somerset Council’s executive member responsible for recycling, said: “Research shows that here in the UK we throw away more food from our homes every year than we do packaging – costing the environment and our pockets.

“Eat Well, Spend Less is a great opportunity for people to learn more about preparing their own meals, portion planning, budgeting, using up leftovers and storing food so that is stays fresh.

“By taking simple steps to reduce food waste the average household could save about £60 a week, and save taxpayers’ money by not sending it to landfill.”

Each class throughout the six-week course, which will begin on January 19 in Weston, runs for two-and-a-half hours and will teach people how to make better use of leftover food as well as simple recipes, hygiene and money management tips.

The Eat Well. Spend Less campaign is also being supported by Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire councils.

To find out more, contact Clevedon District Foodbank on 07722 769529 or info@clevedondistrict.foodbank.org.uk