Bridging Behavior and Policy—An Approach for Reducing Household Food Waste

ABSTRACT Households generate over 60% of Portugal's food waste, making them a key target for waste‐reduction efforts. Existing behavioral interventions have limited impact due to fragmented implementation and insufficient stakeholder involvement. This study develops a model that links behavioral determinants of household food waste, identified through the COM‐B framework, to intervention functions and policy categories within the Behavior Change Wheel thereby supporting the design of coordinated strategies for food waste reductions. A mixed‐methods design was used for model development and validation. Interventions identified through a literature review were mapped to behavioral frameworks and combined with stakeholder analysis. The resulting programs of interventions and policy recommendations were validated through stakeholder surveys. The approach improved the identification of behavioral drivers and barriers. Educational programs strengthened household capacity, while guidelines and regulations supported behavior change. The model offers an adaptable approach for bridging consumer behavior and policy to reduce household food waste through evidence‐informed policies.