Richer by Rationing

Overview

Zero Waste Scotland’s ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ campaign, aims to reduce waste by raising awareness of the environmental and economic impact of food waste. The campaign provides practical advice to reduce food waste and save money, focusing on the most commonly wasted food. There is an opportunity for all ages to be involved in sharing experiences, preparation, portioning, and respect of food.

An evaluation was taken prior to the event, and both the younger and older people gave different opinions of the importance of food within the UK. While the younger people were aware of a global food shortage, they were unaware that within the UK, in their grandparents’ lifetime, food rationing had taken place. Older people, some of whom had experienced food rationing, had little idea of younger people’s perception of food in today’s Scotland.

This event brought younger and older people together to share knowledge and their appreciation and understanding of food, by providing the opportunity for the older people within the group to exchange their life skills in the preparation of food, from what would have normally been a daily rationed portion for a family during WW2. The younger people were then given the opportunity to develop, from the same rationed portion, ideas for a product suitable for their own taste.

The following resources were used:

  • Rationing book WW2
  • Recipes from WW2
  • Cooking facilities {Community Kitchen}
  • Zero Waste Scotland recipe and materials

Benefits for the Community

  • The project enabled both generations to come together to share experiences, and life skills in a community activity
  • The project raised awareness and understanding between generations

Benefits for the Younger People

  • Younger people had greater respect for older people
  • Shared knowledge between the generations of food rationing during WWII

Benefits for the Older People

  • Older people felt less isolated because they felt involved within the community
  • Older people shared their life experiences, knowledge and life skills

Funding

Zero Waste Scotland

Next Steps

There is the possibility of adding the recipes used into a Newsletter, currently being formed.

Zero Waste Scotland hopes to plan a larger event in connection with the centenary of WWI, drawing on the knowledge of different generations, rather than experience.

Awards

East Dunbartonshire Zero Waste Scotland in house award given to children

Local Priorities

Events were staged within East Dunbartonshire, two of which were within areas of deprivation. Issues were discussed by several children in connection with East Dunbartonshire foodbank with the older participants which moulded a new respect for each other.

At all times financial respect was given to all parties.

Scottish NPF Objectives

The main NPF objective that this project contributes to is:

  • Greener supports the sustainable use and enjoyment of Scotland’s natural and built environment. It also underpins much of Scotland’s wealth creation. Focus on the responsibility to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment for future generations.

This NPF objective could also apply:

  • Healthier will enable people to live longer and healthier lives

This project contributes to the Scottish National Performance Framework (NPF).

Scottish NPF Outcomes

We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations: Scotland’s built and natural environment is a major asset for us to enjoy in life and business. That is why we need to protect and enhance it.

We live longer, healthier lives: Securing longer healthier lives for the people of Scotland will always be a top priority for governments and individuals alike. There are significant challenges which can only be addressed by everyone in Scotland working together, pursuing this goal through improving lifestyles and life circumstances, and a shared ownership of an effective NHS.