Soaring food costs: How eating in season can save you money

With petrol price hikes, inflation and the ripple effect of the Russia Ukraine crisis on the economy, many South Africans are left with more month than money.

And for many eating healthy, nutritious food is often a luxury.

With autumn officially in the air, Andre Redinger, founder of Millhouse International is sharing his insight on how eating in season can ensure that you make the most of your dietary intake, while also saving money and contributing to the local community and economy.

EATING IN SEASON IS HEALTHIER

Surprisingly, eating fruits and vegetables that are local means that you are automatically consuming produce that has higher nutritional value. It will also taste better!

This is because, when foods are grown out of season, they are not able to follow natural ripening rhythms. Because of this, manufacturers and farmers often use ripening agents such as chemicals and gasses. The long distances the fruit, vegetables and other seasonal foods need to travel also significantly impacts the nutritional value.

IT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

Eating produce that is readily available and in season can ease your spending as well.

This is because in season, local produce is a lot cheaper – saving many individuals, particularly those who cannot afford a vast variety of produce, a lot of money in the long run.

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES

Besides the benefits to your health and spending, eating in season will allow you to support local farmers and manufacturers, who have worked hard to harvest their crops in time.

Supporting local farmers and SMEs in the space will in the long run ensure that you are not only healthier but also that the local economy thrives.

EAT FORTIFIED FOOD TO SAVE MONEY

More often than not, particularly in underserved communities who lack access to fresh produce, not many options exist to fresh, nutritional foods. One way of ensuring that you still get an adequate nutritional intake daily is to purchase food that is fortified with the correct vitamins and micronutrients. This will ensure that you maintain a healthy, nutritious intake from day to day.

The global pandemic has made everybody more conscious about their overall health. Eating locally and in season will go a long way in ensuring that a varied, nutritional local diet is sustained. It will also ensure that the local industry continues to thrive.

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