Interest in food wastage issues as a determinant of young people’s involvement in reducing food waste

Tackling food waste and reducing its purely negative effects on our planet, both its inhabitants and the environment, is one of the most important challenges facing modern generations. The aim of the research was to find out whether young people’s interest in this issue is reflected in their opinions and behaviours to reduce household food waste, and whether it is related to their search for information about food waste and the type of knowledge sources they use. The survey was conducted at the end of 2021 among 200 young people, using an online survey method (CAWI). The degree of interest in the topic of food waste significantly determined both respondents’ opinions and all analysed behaviours aimed at reducing food waste. Respondents declaring a high level of interest in the issue declared such behaviours in the highest proportion. Regarding sources of information, three clusters of respondents were identified: “Mass media users”, “Benefiting from science and Internet”, and “Not information seeking”. Respondents in the third cluster were least likely to display behaviour aimed at reducing food waste. Most respondents wrongly perceived foodservice and retail as the links in the food chain with the highest food waste, rather than households. This may be a barrier to undertaking activities to reduce food waste. The results indicate that changes in consumer views and behaviour related to food management and consumption are needed. It is necessary to develop broad information and education programme for the public at the national level so that awareness of the need to prevent food waste increases in each population group and this is reflected in household activities.