REFINE- Reducing Food Waste and Improving Child Nutrition in Hungarian Households: A Comprehensive Study on Children’s Dietary Patterns

Project ID:  ADVANCED 151318
Granting authority:  National Research, Development and Innovation Office
Duration:  January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2028

Summary of the project

Approximately one-third of food produced globally is wasted every year, leading to significant environmental, social, and economic consequences. Understanding this huge burden, the European Union has committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, which aims to halve food waste per capita in the retail and consumption phases by 2030. In Hungary, about 60 kg of food waste is generated in households, 40% of which could be avoidable with higher awareness of the consumers. In previous research we observed that households with children tend to waste significantly more food waste compared to other segments.
The hypothesis of the research is that children’s dietary intake and the level of food waste generated both in schools and at home are highly dependent on family’s consciousness and food consumption habits, with the school environment also playing a significant role. Examining these dynamics can reveal the connection between home-packed food, canteen meals, purchased food, and their impact on food waste and dietary intake.
This project introduces a unique approach by evaluating children's dietary patterns alongside food waste dynamics in households and canteens. By integrating quantitative data on food waste and dietary intake with qualitative insights from parents, the study aims to uncover the complex factors influencing food-related behaviors. This comprehensive analysis includes direct measurement studies on food waste using the standardized FUSIONS methodology, analysis of food waste generation in various household settings, examination of the relationship between school and home eating habits, and evaluation of dietary patterns in light of food waste dynamics with input from nutrition experts.
The results of this project have significant social implications, including improved public awareness, informing national and EU-level policies on food waste reduction, shaping educational programs and interventions to promote sustainable food consumption habits from a young age, and providing insights into the nutritional intake of children and families, leading to healthier eating habits and reduced food waste. The results can be directly used by Project Wasteless, the national food waste prevention programme of Hungary, as well as the EU Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste operated by DG SANTE, which is the largest EU-level policy forum in the field.
The project's novelty lies in its integrated approach to studying food waste and dietary patterns. The main strengths of the research include its comprehensive methodology, employing a mixed-method approach that combines quantitative and qualitative data collection, providing a holistic view of food waste and dietary behaviors. The focus on children and families targets an important life situation where food waste behaviors are significantly influenced by both home and school/kindergarten environments. Robust data collection utilizes the FUSIONS methodology for consistent and reliable data, enabling national and international comparisons. The innovative approach of the analysis incorporates a Material Flow Analysis (MFA) as well as an economic analysis to map food flow between households and schools, identifying inefficiencies and potential improvements. Stakeholder engagement involves parents, teachers, nutritionists, and psychologists to understand the underlying causes of food waste and develop effective interventions. Real-world validation through household panels ensures practical applicability, scalability and transferability.

The project will generate practical insights and scalable solutions, making a significant contribution to international food waste reduction efforts. The integrated approach and focus on practical, real-world solutions will be also highlighted in the public communication and professional dissemination of the results, which is expected to deliver significant impact on stakeholders.

Keywords

household eating habits, food consumption, food waste reduction, school meal practices