What the study found
The study found that age was linked to plate waste, with younger students wasting more food on average than older students. This difference was consistent across the schools studied, except in one school where the gap was smaller.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings support age-specific interventions. They suggest approaches such as smaller portions for younger students or repeated exposure to less-preferred foods to help broaden taste preferences and encourage more sustainable eating behaviour.
What the researchers tested
The researchers carried out a pilot study in four schools in Rezekne, Latvia, comparing primary students in grades 1–4, aged 7–10, with lower secondary students in grades 5–7, aged 11–13. They measured filtered plate waste, including only staples and meat/fish dishes, across three measurement periods during the 2023/2024 school year, using a shared menu and a partly pre-served catering model with fixed portions and no choice of dish or size.
What worked and what didn't
A two-way ANOVA showed a significant age effect on filtered plate waste, with younger students wasting more than older ones. There was no significant month effect and no age–month interaction, suggesting the age difference was stable across measurement periods. Younger students generated significantly more plate waste in three schools, but not in the fourth school, likely because the difference there was smaller.
What to keep in mind
This was a pilot study in four schools, so the findings are limited to that setting. The abstract does not describe other limitations beyond the use of filtered plate waste and the school-specific differences noted in one school.
Key points
- The study found that younger students wasted more filtered plate waste on average than older students.
- No significant month effect or age–month interaction was found.
- The comparison covered four primary and lower secondary schools in Rezekne, Latvia.
- All schools used a partly pre-served catering model with fixed portions and no choice of dishes or portion sizes.
- The authors suggest age-specific interventions, including smaller portions for younger students.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Younger students wasted more food on average
- Authors:
- Juta Dekšne, Jeļena Lonska, Lienite Litavniece, Inta Kotāne, Anda Zvaigzne, Inese Silicka
- Institutions:
- Rezekne Academy of Technologies, Rezekne Academy of Technologies, Rezekne Academy of Technologies, Rezekne Academy of Technologies, Rezekne Academy of Technologies, Rezekne Academy of Technologies
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-21
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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