Assessing the Level of Food Waste Awareness Among Senior High School Students at Mapúa University, Intramuros

Food waste has become a global crisis threatening environmental sustainability and food security. In the Philippines, households generate millions of tons of food waste annually, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. While studies exist on general waste management in educational settings, there is limited research examining food waste awareness among senior high school students in Philippines. This study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness concerning food waste among senior high school students at Mapúa University, Intramuros by assessing their awareness of food waste concepts, environmental, and social impacts, and analyzing awareness levels across demographic characteristics. Using descriptive quantitative, the study employed a survey questionnaire administered to 190 senior high school students selected through purposive sampling. The instrument measured awareness across four dimensions: food waste concepts, environmental impacts, social impacts, and demographic factors. Moreover, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify patterns and relationships. The findings revealed that students possessed a solid conceptual understanding of food waste (mean = 4.10) and strong awareness of both environmental (mean = 4.15) and social impacts (mean = 4.24). Respondents have particularly high recognition of impacts on resource depletion, malnutrition, and community food access. Notable demographic patterns also emerged: female students (mean = 4.31-4.43) demonstrated higher awareness than males (mean = 3.91-4.05); awareness increased with age such as those in 18-20 years of age (mean = 4.16-4.29) and in Grade 12 (mean = 4.26-4.37); frequent users of campus food facilities showed heightened understanding (mean = 4.27-4.54); and participation in sustainability programs was associated with comprehensive awareness across all dimensions (mean = 4.28-4.41). This study provides insights for developing targeted educational programs and awareness campaigns at Mapúa University, potentially serving as a model for other Philippine educational institutions seeking to enhance food waste awareness and foster sustainable practices among students.