New national data from OzHarvest, updated in March 2026, has highlighted a significant trend in household food waste that is being used to reshape support services in Coffs Harbour. The research reveals that across Australia, residents under the age of 35 are now the nation’s biggest food wasters, throwing away significantly more food than older generations.
The ‘Half Eaten’ report reveals that households in this younger age group waste about $1,500 worth of food every year, which is 71 per cent more than older residents. The most common items being tossed into the bin are home-cooked or takeaway leftovers and vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, and leafy greens.
A critical finding from the research shows that 58 per cent of high-wasting households are throwing food away prematurely due to confusion over dates on food packaging. Many people are discarding items too early because they do not understand the difference between best-before labels, which are about quality, and use-by labels, which are about safety.
Local food relief charities and the OzHarvest food rescue coordinator for the Coffs Harbour region are now using this information to update their support programs. These groups aim to help younger people in the community manage their groceries better to save money during the current cost-of-living challenges.
Organisations are focusing on teaching residents how to plan their meals and use simple ‘Use It Up’ methods to finish their leftovers. These practical steps are designed to reduce the amount of food ending up in landfill while making sure locals get the most out of their grocery shops.
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