Bolton Food Waste Study is a community-inspired and designed study supporting households connected through the community to come together around the theme of ‘save money, save the planet’.
Co-researchers from the Bolton community have designed an intervention with the community aimed at tackling household food waste. The intervention is a food waste survey (questionnaire and diary), which measures how, what and why food is wasted and community activities, including a Top Tips Leaflet and a community workshop.
The food waste survey is completed before and after a community activity to measure change in household food waste.
Community Leaders of groups have generated interest in the survey through their connections, and in total 130 households have taken part. More information about how the community has been involved can be found on the Designing the study page.
Initial findings
The study showed that:
- The average food waste in both areas was reduced, with a significant reduction in the first area.
- The top foods wasted were bread, milk and salad.
- The main reasons given for food wastage were portion sizes, storage issues, food going off or food not wanted.
- Participants stated that the food waste study made them more mindful and raised awareness of how much food was wasted.
Research Funding
The research is funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research and is being led by Bryony O’Connor, a PhD student at the University of Salford, who is also a Bolton Council employee.