A new national digital initiative has been launched to help Australian households cut food waste and reduce grocery bills, with research showing families are throwing away more than $200 worth of food each month.
The Food Waste Challenge, launched by End Food Waste Australia (EFWA) through its consumer campaign The Great Unwaste, aims to help households save up to $2500 a year by reducing food that is bought but never eaten.
EFWA research indicates the average household discards more than $200 of food every month, largely due to overbuying, poor storage and unused leftovers. The new challenge is designed as a free, digital activity open to all Australians, focusing on behaviour change rather than altering what households buy or eat.
Developed using behavioural research and tested through a national pilot, the Food Waste Challenge encourages participants to adopt seven simple actions, including flexible meal planning, storing food correctly and reimagining meals using leftovers.
According to pilot results, 99 per cent of participants enjoyed the experience, 87 per cent found the tasks easy, and confidence in knowing how to reduce household food waste rose from 33 per cent to 80 per cent after completing the challenge.
EFWA CEO, Tristan Butt, said the initiative was designed to fit into the realities of modern Australian households.
“Australians aren’t wasting food on purpose – they’re just busy and juggling work, family and rising costs.
“Although these pressures can sometimes feel locked in, food waste is one area where small, low-effort changes can deliver fast wins, without cutting back on the foods you love,” Butt said.
“The challenge shows how a few simple changes during the week can keep hundreds of dollars in household budgets and stop perfectly good food from going to waste.”
The launch follows the release of Finder’s Cost of Living Pressure Gauge, which found 75 per cent of Australians are feeling stressed about their finances, adding urgency to initiatives aimed at household savings.
Households are encouraged to take part together and share progress, with participants automatically entered into a draw to win one of three “unwasting” prize packs. The campaign forms part of Australia’s broader commitment to halve food waste by 2030, supported by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
End Food Waste Australia said reducing household food waste remains a critical lever not only for cost-of-living relief, but also for improving the efficiency and sustainability of the national food system.
