Cost-cutting households wanted for new BBC food series

14/04/2009

The BBC is looking for members of the public to take part in Economy Gastronomy, a new television series which reveals how to cut food bills without eating poor-quality meals and would especially like to hear from any retired households that are feeling the crunch and maybe looking for ways in which to slash their shopping costs.

In light of the current gloomy economic outlook and the dramatic effect interests rates have had on pensions and savings it seems inevitable that many retired Britons feel the only way to get through the recession will be to forego culinary pleasures in favour of cheaper, duller alternatives.  In a recent survey by consumer magazine Which?, more than half of those surveyed admitted that looking for a bargain – no matter how unhealthy – was the most important factor when shopping for food.

The problem of rising food costs will be tackled in Economy Gastronomy, a new food series to be broadcast on BBC Two later this year.  The series is fronted by Michelin-starred chef Paul Merrett and Allegra McEvedy, co-founder of Leon, the hugely successful restaurant chain.  In each episode Paul and Allegra will teach a different family or household how to eat exciting, varied and nutritious food without breaking the bank.  

Cooking frugally has a wider significance, too.  As a nation we throw away one third of all the food we buy, which is roughly equivalent to a staggering £10 billion a year. That equates to approximately £420 thrown in the bin per family each year.

So, if your household is feeling the crunch, prone to wasting produce and overspending on food, we’d like to hear from you.  If you’re interested in finding out more, e-mail food@outlineproductions.co.uk or call 020 7424 7629.