Restaurants and cafes looking for ways to reduce food waste and save money have a new online tool at their disposal.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has launched a new online resource to help businesses cut food waste and reduce costs.
EPA Organics Manager Amanda Kane said "Your Business is Food" is a handy, easily accessed guide to tackling food waste and the bottom line.
"If you're in the business of food then you already know that wasting food costs you money.
"With the impact of Covid-19 hitting the restaurant industry hard, wasting money by wasting food just isn't smart business practice. But there are a number of ways you can reduce food waste and save on spending," Ms Kane said.
"Simply sign up online and over six weeks, you'll be taken step by step though the program with email updates, tips, advice and information."
These include:
· Manage your stock: A good relationship with your supplier, only ordering what you need and buying seasonal produce are all good tips.
· Food storage: Rotating stock and keeping it stored at the correct temperature.
· Well-designed menu: Understanding your menu and what sells, buying food that can be used across a range of meals.
· Plate waste: Watching portion sizes and offering side dishes as optional
Ms Kane said it was also important to engage with staff.
"Your staff work with the food and customers and are best placed to observe and advise on what's being eaten and what's being left on plates and help the business reduce food waste."
