The role of financial position, behavioral patterns, and awareness levels in household food waste in faisalabad Pakistan

Domestic food waste is an urgent global issue with significant environmental, economic, and social consequences. This study seeks to estimate food wastage among households and examine its association with behavioral patterns, financial status, and degrees of awareness within city areas of Faisalabad, Pakistan. The research used a self-administered survey method for data collection from 400 households for one-week time period. Essential socioeconomic factors, including age, income, religion, and level of education are examined to contextualize the food waste situation. Results indicated that bakery items (274 grams) and curry (156 grams) estimated the highest amount of food waste, while cereals and yogurt were the least wasted items. Factors such as financial position, awareness and behavior were analyzed using the order probit model to estimate the level of food waste a family produces within a week. The findings revealed notable differences in food disposal generation across different age groups, with economically stable households exhibiting higher levels of food wastage. Additionally, market awareness among families can contribute to overbuying, driven by lucrative sales promotions which results in food waste. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to design targeted interventions, including community education campaigns and financial incentives, to reduce household food waste. By addressing the behavioral, economic, and awareness dimensions, this research contributes to the broader goal of sustainable food waste management.