End Food Waste Australia launches membership initiative

End Food Waste Australia (EFWA) has moved into the next stage of its industry food waste reduction program, launching End Food Waste Australia Membership.

Between 2022 and 2024, businesses working with EFWA saved $57 million and cut food waste by 13%.*

The new membership initiative is designed to open up EFWA’s research-based approach for reducing food waste to more businesses and organisations, from paddock to plate.

At the centre of the initiative is a digital hub for members to find tools, guides, research and campaign resources, and to connect with others working on food waste.

EFWA CEO Wendy Hughes said membership was shaped by feedback from industry.

“Our partners told us they valued the expertise, insights and collaboration End Food Waste Australia offered, and they’ve seen the commercial return that comes from taking food waste seriously. For example, Bridge Road Brewers slashed food waste by over 50% in their operations through measurement, menu design and team training,” Hughes said.

“Our partners have also told us that businesses at different stages of their food waste journey need support that matches their size, priorities and maturity. We listened. Membership means more businesses can get involved, whether they’re just starting out or ready to accelerate.”

For businesses, food waste costs an average of 5.6% of total sales, which is money that could go straight back into margins, investment and growth.

“When we waste food, we’re wasting the money, resources and effort it took to grow, make and move it. And we’re doing that while millions of Australian households struggle to put food on the table,” Hughes said.

“The good news is that the actions that strengthen our food system also make businesses more efficient and more competitive. Making the most of the food we already produce is one of the most practical things we can do for a more food-secure Australia.”

Membership is built around choice, so organisations can invest in the level of support that delivers the most value for them:

• Associate Membership is designed for councils, schools, universities, not-for-profits and small businesses starting their food waste journey. It includes access to practical guides, a simple measurement tool, learnings and resource kits.
• Full Membership provides self-guided, supported or bespoke packages designed to find savings and unlock new revenue. These can include onsite sprints, site food loss mapping, advanced forecasting, joint business planning and industry working groups.

All packages are aligned to the ISO food loss and waste standard and EFWA’s Food Waste Maturity Model.

_{*Source: Australian Food Pact Impact Report 2022–24}

Image credit: iStock.com/dusanpetkovic