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Food: Waste

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 17 March 2026UIN 119283

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of food waste reduction initiatives on household food costs.

Answered by Mary Creagh

58% of the food that is wasted in the UK is wasted in our homes, almost three quarters of which (73%) is edible. This food has a value of around £17 billion, which is around £80 per month or £1,000 per year for the average family with children.

This Government is committed to moving towards a circular economy – a future where our resources are used as efficiently and productively as possible for as long as possible, and waste is reduced. To tackle food waste in the home, we fund a programme of action delivered by WRAP to help people save money by buying what they need and using what they buy. This includes campaigns such as Food Waste Action Week with the theme of ‘Make Your Food Go Further, helping the public to shop for, store and cook foods in ways that reduces food costs and minimises waste.

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