The project will utilise a randomised control trial (RCT) design to explore the impact of two food waste reduction strategies, individually and in combination, namely, a purpose-designed food waste audit and whole-of-centre resources, including classroom activities. Both strategies are designed to stimulate awareness and catalyse positive menu changes for health while reducing food waste. Our research piloting the food waste audit reported lower subsequent food waste but was labour and time intensive. Whole-of-centre resources, including classroom activities with children, may offer a low intensity option, but impact on food waste reduction needs assessing.

Project team – Dr Penny Love, Dr Alison Spence, Prof Kylie Hesketh, Audrey Elford (IPAN PhD candidate), Margaret Rozman (Nutrition Australia Victoria)