Identifying the Drivers of Food Waste in University Canteens in China: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

The global food crisis has made food waste reduction an important area for research and practice. In China, food is frequently wasted in university canteens. Identifying the factors involved is critical for reducing waste and preserving resources and the environment. In contrast to previous studies of canteen food waste, which have mainly used quantitative research methods, this study adopted a qualitative approach to reveal the self-reported causes of food waste by students who eat at the canteens of a university in South China. The study identified material, economic, psychological, social, cultural, and health dimensions that influence food waste in university canteens. The results validate some previous findings and add novel factors not previously identified. This study argues that food waste is embedded in a complicated socio-cultural context, and hence it is difficult to take simple and direct management measures to reduce waste. Measures should be implemented to improve both the consumers’ consciousness of frugality and ecological conservation, and the quality and palatability of the served food.

Systematic literature review on the nexus of food waste, food loss and cultural background

“…Furthermore, to achieve FW and FL reduction while respecting cultural traditions and individual preferences, promoting appropriate social values and encouraging residents to abandon cultural practices that contribute to excessive FW are recommended. Additionally, encouraging conscious decision-making regarding portion sizes and consumption habits, as well as implementing simple management measures to improve the quality and palatability of served food, can help reduce waste without compromising cultural values (Cui et al ., 2023). Balancing individual preferences and cultural traditions is essential for achieving these goals and fostering sustainable practices in the context of global food security (Wu et al ., 2023).…”

Lost Food and Associated Phosphorus Footprint: Evidence from China

“…Although there is an increasing number of studies assessing lost food PF [19,20], policymakers are hindered by the lack of reliable data regarding the extent of food waste [21]. The prevalent problems observed in academic literature assessments on food waste include deficiencies in data [22] and excessive dependence on secondary data [13] instead of the direct assessment of lost food parameters [23].…”