Half of New Zealanders are cutting back on fruit and vegetables as the cost of living rises. 

A Ministry of Social Development report reveals nearly two in five Kiwis report an inadequate income, with 48 percent cutting back on produce to save money in 2023 - more than double since 2018.

Chef and host of Eat Well for Less, Mike van de Elzen, says produce isn't expensive if you buy efficiently.

"We need to kind of just step back and go - what are we buying? Are we buying stuff out of season? Because you just need to use your nut a little bit. You need to think about what you're buying and the time that you're buying it."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.