The Federal Government’s adoption of the National Food Waste Strategy in 2017 recognised a major problem for both the economy and the environment. It is estimated that Australians waste around 7.6 million tonnes of food per year, or the equivalent of 312kg per person per year – a cost to the economy of around $36.6 billion. About 30% of the total is generated by households, but wastage also occurs at every point of the food chain, including on farms, during processing and transport, and by hospitality operators and supermarkets. Costs to the environment include greenhouse gas emissions and excess water use.

The Strategy aimed to reduce food waste by 50 per cent between 2017 and 2030. A feasibility study conducted in 2020 found that achieving the Strategy’s goals was still possible, but only with unprecedented action from the government, industry, and the community. The study suggested a range of actions, including national behaviour change campaigns, legislative and regulatory changes, research grants, and industry-led initiatives with government support.

Some initiatives were already underway. The Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre was launched in July 2018, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. Its research programs aimed to engage with industry and consumers across the supply chain.

In 2020, Stop Food Waste Australia was established to coordinate Australia’s response to the Strategy. It involved all levels of government, industry and the food rescue sector and was supported by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The two organisations were later merged to become End Food Waste Australia.

Among that organisation’s initiatives is the Australian Food Pact. Many of Australia’s largest food businesses are involved, making a financial contribution and signing a commitment to take action. Among these are the major supermarket chains and manufacturers such as Goodman Fielder, McCain, Simplot and Mars. They are supported by sustainability experts to help develop tailored plans and undertake annual measurement and reporting.