Hampshire County Council survey: Food waste during lockdown

With a second lockdown underway, Hampshire County Council is asking residents if they now waste less food.

It says before the pandemic, some households were throwing away around a fifth of bought food every month, which for some amounted to £60.

They want to know if habits have changed - after national research showed a 34% reduction in food waste during the first lockdown.

Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council, said:

"The financial and environmental cost of buying more than we need and throwing away unused food is considerable. Each year, councils spend over £100 million dealing with waste from Hampshire homes so we continually look at how this can be reduced.

"Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew that people were throwing away around one fifth of the food they bought - meaning some households were wasting £60 worth of food every month.

But with such drastic changes to our lifestyles this year, this may no longer be the case - with people buying, preparing and cooking in different ways since lockdown.

National research indicates that during lockdown, there was a 34% reduction in key food items being thrown away, with more people planning meals, making use of freezers and using up leftovers.

Councillor Humby continued: "We're keen to find out how people may have changed their habits around food shopping and preparation during lockdown, what good ideas they've had, and better understand what it is that drives people to make the small changes that can make such a big difference."

The survey is open until 12 November, and those who take part have the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win a selection of recipe books.

To take part in the survey, go to: https://etehampshirecc.researchfeedback.net/s.asp?k=160155366812

To find out some hints and tips on how to waste less at home, go to:

www.hants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/smartliving