Did you know the average NSW household throws away $77 worth of edible food every week?

The Mid-North Coast is one of four locations selected by the NSW Government for a two year, whole-of-community program aimed at reducing the amount of food waste from households and businesses.

The program includes 'Food Smart' for families and 'Your Business is Food'.

On Friday, November 22 the 'Food Smart' program was launched at Port Macquarie Library during a Midwaste/ Port Macquarie-Hastings Council seminar on food waste.

Facilitator at Midwaste Shelley McClure said the purpose of the program was to "facilitate behavioural change in homes around food waste".

Ms McClure said usually the people who attend workshops are "motivated".

"They are likely to make an even greater change," she said.

"For those not on that path it can be harder.

"That is why we look to empower people with simple, easy ways to start."

Ms McClure recommends breaking down waste into 'Reduce, Reuse and Recycle'.

"Reduce the amount of food we are buying, reuse the types of food we are often throwing out and recycle the rest through things like composting," she said.

Some simple tips include:

Ms McClure has always been passionate about "environmental community education".

"I am passionate about growing food and being connected to our sources locally and then how that plays out to a greater picture environmentally," she said.

"Not everyone wants to grow lots and lots of food but everyone can have an impact and be conscious where

To join the free Smart Food program click here.