‘Waste not, want not’ rings true at cookery demonstration 

THE old adage of ‘waste not, want not’ came to mind recently when Carlow residents discovered practical ways to reduce food waste and make household food budgets go further. They attended a cookery demonstration at An Gairdín Beo community garden with local chef Derek Oman from the Food Change Collective, hosted by the local council.

The event brought together community members to explore simple everyday actions that can help prevent food waste, including meal planning, smart shopping, proper food storage and creative ways to use leftovers. Participants also enjoyed a live cookery demonstration featuring recipes from the Saved and Savoured recipe book, made using locally grown produce and ingredients that are often overlooked or discarded.

The workshop formed part of a three-part series being delivered by the council in partnership with community gardens across the county. By combining food waste prevention advice with fresh, locally grown produce, the workshops highlight the important role community gardens play in promoting sustainable food systems, healthy eating and environmental awareness.

The programme began earlier this year with a successful workshop in Bagenalstown, hosted in partnership with Bagenalstown community garden, and continued at An Gairdín Beo. Together, the workshops have helped participants gain practical skills to reduce food waste, save money and make better use of the food they buy.

Carlow Co Council wishes to thank all the attendees, along with the community gardens and Derek Oman for their support, expertise and enthusiasm in delivering an engaging and informative event.

The final workshop in the series will take place in Tullow on Saturday 26 September, in partnership with Forward Steps community garden and Tullow tidy towns at Tullow Tennis club between 2-4pm. To register free attendance, email dsewell@carlowcoco.ie.