ABSTRACT
Objective
This review examines the role of public health nutritionists (PHNs) in reducing food waste at individual, community and policy levels. It highlights their potential to influence food choices, develop interventions and advocate for systemic changes that contribute to sustainable diets.
Design
A narrative review synthesizing relevant literature to identify key areas where PHNs can drive change regarding food waste reduction.
Setting
The review focuses on the contributions of PHNs across various settings, including households, communities, food service environments and policymaking sectors.
Results
PHNs play a multifaceted role in reducing food waste. They raise awareness and promote behaviour change by educating communities on effective food waste reduction strategies. PHNs also conduct research to understand food waste patterns and develop data-driven solutions. Their expertise allows them to create targeted interventions based on regional and socioeconomic contexts. Additionally, PHNs build multi-sectoral collaborations with policymakers, the food industry and local communities to address food waste at a systemic level. By advocating for food market innovations like clearer labelling and waste reduction incentives, PHNs can drive broader changes within the food system.
Conclusion
This review highlights the critical role of PHNs in reducing household food waste, which is essential for achieving sustainable diets. By integrating food waste reduction into Public Health Nutrition (PHN) efforts, PHNs can contribute to more sustainable food systems and enhance resource efficiency. Promoting their leadership in policy advocacy and multi-sectoral collaboration is key to driving systemic change in food waste reduction.
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 38, Issue 6, December 2025. Read More