Wasted Positive Intentions: The Role of Affection and Abundance on Household Food Waste

Abstract

This qualitative study, grounded theory oriented, identifies familial affection and preference for abundance as major drivers of wasted food in lower-middle income American families. These positive intentions provide an improved understanding of household food waste, a problem with high environmental impact and moral implications. Based on empirical data collected from twenty caregivers, via in-depth interviews, observations, and analysis of photos, this study provides fresh insights. One such insight is regarding how stockpiling comfort foods in abundance – a form of both boosting positive self-emotions and showing affection for kids – can promote greater food waste. Other antecedents identified include multiplicity of choices, convenience, procrastination and unplanned routines. In sum, this research identifies a negative outcome of affection and food abundance in the family context, while providing a theoretically relevant general framework. Authors suggest increasing the awareness of nutritional gatekeepers through the alignment of communications and behavioral economics principles.

Keywords: food waste, affection, abundance, low-income, food consumption