Project Meraki: Bridging the Gap and Investigating a Local Contradiction Between Affordable Nutrition and Food Waste
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the contradiction between food waste and food insecurity within a local context, examining the quantity of nutritious food wasted in households and commercial establishments and estimating its potential to provide affordable meals. Primary data was collected through surveys, observations, and informal interviews, supported by secondary data on the cost of a balanced diet.
Findings show that household food waste is mainly driven by behavioural factors such as poor planning and spoilage, while commercial waste is largely due to overproduction and operational practices. The analysis suggests that up to 50–75% of commercial food waste is potentially recoverable.
The study concludes that addressing food waste requires both behavioural changes at the household level and systemic improvements in food management and redistribution systems.
Keywords: Food waste; Affordable nutrition; Household food waste; Commercial food waste; Food redistribution; Sustainable consumption; Consumer behaviour; Food security; Resource management; Food recovery