Food on the shelves at Footprints Women's Centre in Poleglass (Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live) The Consumer Council has issued advice on how to save money on food costs in Northern Ireland. One way to reduce on food costs is by eating fruit and vegetables that are in season, as seasonal produce is often cheaper to grow and transport and their abundance can mean that costs come down. By picking seasonal foods, not only will you pay less but you'll also support local farmers while reducing the environmental impact of transporting out-of-season foods from around the world.
Read more: Belfast councillor concerned as food bank demand spikes over half-term Read more: NI Child Poverty criticised for not putting "children and families at its heart" The Consumer Council has issued a guide to what's in season at this time of year in Northern Ireland to help guide your food shopping. Potatoes A staple in Northern Ireland , potatoes are cheapest in Autumn. Because they’re grown locally, they’re more affordable than imports, and you can find good deals in supermarkets and farmers' markets.
Tips: stock up on potatoes and store them in a cool, dark place away from onions remove any plastic packaging and remove potatoes that are damaged or going off for best storage, keep them in a cloth bag or reusable vegetable sack to help them last longer Carrots, parsnips, and turnips These root vegetables are at their best in autumn. They’re locally grown, fresher, and sold at reasonable pr.