Problem of food waste based on a survey among young citizens in Poznań at household level

Abstract

Food waste has a negative impact on people around the world, affecting the economy, environment, and society. Recognized as an international problem, much effort has been taken to identify goals and potential measures to reduce waste at every stage of the supply chain, both domestically and globally. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted among young adult residents (aged 18–25) of Poznań, a city with a population of over 500,000, with the aim of identifying the reasons for food waste by consumers, exploring methods to reduce it, and determining the level of public awareness of the issue and its consequences at household-level. The study found that consumers have difficulty purchasing adequate amounts of food and tend to prepare excessively large portions. The results provide valuable information for local governments, municipal authorities, companies, shops, schools, and other institutions that can use it to organize educational and informational campaigns targeted at consumers.