Residents in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse are being challenged to test their food waste knowledge for the chance win a prize.

The prize is a voucher worth £100 for a local farm shop and a hamper containing items to help reduce their waste.

The area's district councils are focusing on the issue of food wastage, exacerbated during the festive season when millions of edible turkeys, puddings, and mince pies are discarded.

It has been revealed that in the holiday season alone, the UK disposes of more than 270,000 tonnes of food waste.

To combat this problem, South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils are encouraging residents to participate in an educational quiz discovering how much they truly understand about food waste and how they can help.

Shopping smarter, planning meals more tactfully and utilising leftovers are simple methods proposed to counter the food waste crisis.

Not only do these techniques save food, they also help residents save money, support the local environment by reducing waste, and contribute to the community by potentially donating unused food.

While recycling food waste is a positive step, prevention of food waste entirely is deemed even more beneficial.

Residents are encouraged to take part in the quiz, available on South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse's council websites until January 8, 2024.

The competition is open exclusively to residents of South Oxfordshire or the Vale of White Horse.

The councils have also reminded residents of temporary changes to bin collections over the upcoming holiday period due to the bank holidays.

Cabinet member for environment at South Oxfordshire District Council, Cllr Sue Cooper, said: "Christmas time is a major contributor to food waste, a global issue that not only wastes precious resources but also harms the environment.

"By taking part in our quiz, you will find out about using leftovers, food preservation and smarter shopping habits, along with practical tips to help cut your festive food waste.

"You may even be lucky enough to win the £100 local farm shop voucher."

Cabinet member for environmental services and waste at Vale of White Horse District Council, Cllr Mark Coleman, said: "From planning your Christmas feast to transforming leftovers into culinary classics, our quiz will help to empower you to become more informed when it comes to food waste, saving money and helping to protect the planet.

"So, grab a mug of mulled wine, put your thinking cap on and get ready to join the fight against food waste."