Too Poor To Do Good? The Moderating Role of Financial Constraints in Food Waste Reduction

A 20%–25% reduction in consumer food waste by 2030 would yield an annual global savings of $120–$300 billion, benefiting both society and individuals, as households could cut their food expenses. Technologies such as dynamic food pricing can reduce retail waste substantially. Generally, revenues would increase (through avoided losses), and consumers in need could save money thanks to a substantial increase in process efficiency. Therefore, this study explored the impact of economic incentives on food waste reduction in Turkey and examined the moderating role of financial constraints. The research hypotheses were tested using 320 survey responses, collected predominantly from individuals aged 30 and under. The findings provide evidence that economic incentives positively influence food waste reduction. Notably, the absence of financial constraints strengthens the effect of economic incentives on reducing food waste. This study offers novel insights by identifying how economic incentives influence food waste reduction, with an innovative focus on the moderating effects of financial constraints. By integrating economic and behavioral perspectives, the results uniquely contribute to understanding the dynamics of food waste reduction in financially diverse populations.