Officially, they are called “food champions”, but critics of the new British government program to stop food waste call them “food police.”
Beginning today, eight officials will visit 24,500 households and provide advice and recipes for those who are not properly frugal enough with their food.
The Telegraph reports that the critics are already blasting the program.
Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance said: “This is a prime example of excessive Government nannying, and a waste of public money and resources. In the grip of a recession, the last thing people need is someone bossing them about in their own kitchen.
“Worse still, the money for this scheme will come directly out of taxpayers’ pockets, at a time when they need every penny to weather the financial storm.
Advocates of the plan, say that food waste is a significant environmental problem. They also claim that if the program is expanded, it will create jobs in a tough economic time.
The program officials will leave leaflets at every door. When the officials are able to make contact, they will offer advice on how to be a more efficient shopper, tips on composting and explanations on the difference between “best before”, “use by” and “sell by” dates found on food containers.
