In a world faced with the imminent threat of climate change, two passionate women, Lucy Bell and Lucy Leonardi, have joined forces to do their bit to tackle the enormous challenge of food waste, which contributes to climate change in a big way.
Their collaborative effort has resulted in the creation of a remarkable book, called Foodwise. This book is all about helping children to love their veggies, thanks to amazing stories and even better recipes. The two Lucys understand that if we are going to fight food waste, helping children fully appreciate and respect what they eat is going to be key, and that’s the core of the Foodwise message.
And we’re thrilled to be able to bring it to you! Foodwise is available on the Good & Fugly store now, and we even have five copies to give away to readers!
The Origin of Foodwise
Lucy Bell and Lucy Leonardi, the dynamic duo behind Foodwise, both share a deep passion for the environment and the urgency to combat climate change. Inspired by their daughters and their desire for a brighter future, they embarked on this journey to make a difference. Lucy Leonardi, known for her blog Who Does the Dishes, was first introduced to Lucy Bell through her previous book, You Can Change the World. This serendipitous connection led to the birth of Foodwise.
“We discovered that not only do we share a first name, but also a birthday – clearly this book was meant to be,” Bell said.
"We want to take kids on a journey to appreciate food – to learn to experience it using all their senses, cook it in fun and different ways, and to learn where it came from and how it was grown."
Awareness of Food Waste in Australia
Lucy agrees that while most people have a passing familiarity with the issue of food waste, they are still distanced from the full extent of the problem. “In our modern food culture, we have all become so spoiled with food being readily available at all times that the real connection with and appreciation of food has been lost,” she said.
With Australia having set a national goal of halving food waste by 2030, time is of the essence, and both Lucys believe that most Australians want to help. The challenge is that they don’t really know where to start. Books such as Foodwise are a start, and it’s important that people look to their local governments, to also take the lead. Community education around food waste, workshops on composting workshops, and similar initiatives can all play a big role.
And finally, it’s important to know that it’s in the household’s best interest too. As Lucy said, "We don't think people realise what a big difference they can make even in their own homes – households can save up to $2500 a year by reducing food waste, saving the planet at the same time!"
So, what’s in Foodwise?
The heart of Foodwise lies in giving children a simple starting point to address the problem of food waste. It aims to show Australian kids and their families that making small changes in their homes and kitchens can indeed help save the planet. This journey begins with a love for food. Foodwise introduces children to fun ways to explore food and reduce waste, ultimately encouraging them to involve their families.
The book is packed with easy-to-understand facts, eye-opening statistics, entertaining activities, and more than 50 mouthwatering recipes that help foster a deep appreciation for food. “I recommend kids try the Root Veggie Curry with Roasted Chickpeas recipe (p. 107), first,” Lucy said. “It would be a good one to try as it includes a variety of fresh produce, herbs and spices, and the Good & Fugly boxes come packed with the perfect ingredients for it!”
Teaming up with Good & Fugly
Both Lucys have already had plenty of experience with Good & Fugly, and support our mission themselves. Lucy tells us that the Good & Fugly boxes make excellent edible gifts for friends and colleagues. It’s not only a great way to gift a lot of food, but Good & Fugly boxes help raise awareness of just how much great food never makes it to the supermarket shelves.
Grab your copy of Foodwise now
Foodwise is not just a book; it's a call to action. It addresses the pressing issue of food waste in Australia, making it accessible and engaging for children and families. The authors went into this hoping to empower the next generation to make a positive impact on the environment, and with climate change looming large, Foodwise highlights how small changes in our daily lives can make a significant difference.
GIVEAWAY ALERT!
