Food waste in households: Children as quiet powerhouses

This study reports parents’ perceptions about children’s influence on the generation of household food by collecting qualitative data from 15 focus groups Australian householders five culturally diverse communities. Key findings include over-purchase to some extent results children applying pressure their parents impulse buy supermarkets promoted products, fussy eating behaviours, and frequently changing preferences. Children’s selective behaviours preferences also cause over-preparation over-provisioning parents. identified that campaigns promoting imperfect shaped fruit vegetables tend be less effective with as they desire perfect fresh produce. We migrant communities face added complication balancing traditional for adults requesting foods. Our research presents policy implications in identifying quiet powerhouses households suggests need targeted interventions change behaviour. Additionally, mirror these reinforce desired changes behaviours. There is an opportunity supermarkets, local councils government agencies redesign marketing educate reducing waste.