Feasibility study of an intervention to reduce wasted food among households of adults in Washington, DC

Wasted food is a critical issue with environmental and economic impacts. The largest source of wasted food is discarded household food. This pilot study examined household wasted food among adults <40 years of age without children (n = 19). Discarded edible food was measured using scale measurements and the Household Food Habits survey to assess attitudes, behaviors, and abilities. The intervention included themed educational messages, group chat engagement, and 1 month follow-up measurements. Average wasted food was 3.82 ounces per day and 2.24 ounces post-intervention, lower than national estimates. These findings support opportunities for an expanded intervention to reduce household wasted food.