Consumption

Reducing food waste through behavioral change

A Feasibility Study under the name "Cr-EAT-ive Shools" has developed a program teaching children and parents the key behaviours to reduce their food waste. The initiative was developed in the framework of FUSIONS (Food Use for Social Innovation by Optimising Waste Prevention Strategies), a project that works towards a more resource efficient Europe by significantly reducing food waste. ANATOLIKI participated in the partnership.


WHAT DID THEY DO?
The aim was to raise awareness and influence behaviours of children and their parents through food waste prevention. As eating behaviours begin in infancy and continue through life, parents and teachers play an important role in establishing good habits.


Cr-EAT-ive Schools has developed a program aimed at children in kindergartens (aged 3-5 years old) to teach them key behaviours to reduce their food waste. The project produced educational games for children as well as guidelines for parents and teachers. Their dissemination was driven through meal planning and incorporating the materials into lesson plans.

WHAT WAS ACHIEVED?
The project was implemented in six schools (four municipal and two private) across four Greek municipalities, reaching out to 480 children and their parents, and was supported by 25 teachers. Moreover, 24 families piloted the project at home.

Outputs

  • Guidelines for teachers on food waste prevention
  • Guidelines for households on food waste prevention
  • Booklet of information, pictures and games for children
  • Meal planners, fridge magnets, shopping list for households
  • Board games, matching games, paintings, creative games
  • Phone questionnaire survey for pilot parents
  • Guidelines for school chefs (in Greek)


WHAT CAN WE DO?
The Cr-EAT-ive materials produced have been translated into English and are available for use! They are a great place to start and can be translated in other languages if necessary. The materials resonate with children’s interest and this project can be implemented in any country.


"Don’t throw it away! Think first if it is edible!"