Food waste in Polish households as an economic problem

Abstract

The aim of our research was to investigate the scale and causes of food waste in households and its economic consequences, as well as the respondents’ attempts to curb food waste. Empirical research was performed in 2023 in the form of a diagnostic survey employing a standardised questionnaire on a total of 802 subjects. It was found that most frequently wasted food included ready meals, bread, vegetables and fruit. Exceeding the expiration date, food spoilage, and preparing excessive amounts of food were the most common reasons for wasting food. To limit food waste, the respondents used measures such as freezing food to eat later, drawing up a shopping list, using food to prepare other meals, checking the expiration date and purchasing less food. It was also found that during the constant rise in food prices in 2022, the respondents used these measures more often than before. A large-scale information campaign is required to raise awareness of the necessity of preventing food waste.