Recently, Momentum’s Food Sector Specialist Paula Whyte, had the opportunity to speak at a dynamic and thought-provoking session on Food Waste Education at the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry. The event brought together a diverse and passionate group of over 20 regional stakeholders, all committed to exploring ways to tackle food waste through education, innovation & collaboration.
The session allowed for a spotlight on the Waste2Worth project, which Paula was proud to represent. Waste2Worth is all about reimagining waste as a resource – mapping local waste streams and identifying opportunities for circular economy solutions, particularly in the agri-food sector. The project resources, which include an Exploration Guide, regional waste stream maps and educational toolkits, are designed to inspire SMEs and communities to think differently about what we throw away and what it could become.
A Room Full of Changemakers
The stakeholder group was impressively varied and rich in expertise. Participants included:
- Galway County Council representatives
- Members of the Galway Climate Action Team
- Lecturers from the University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
- A representative from a Waste management regulatory organisation
- A representative from FoodCloud
- An IoT expert working on food system traceability
- A local Social Enterprise
- And several food SMEs
Bringing these voices together led to an engaging and collaborative discussion on the challenges & opportunities within the food waste space.
The Role of Education in Behavioural Change
Much of the conversation centred around the impact of education in raising awareness and shifting mindsets. There was a strong consensus that practical, context-specific education – especially when introduced early in life – is essential to shaping future behaviour.
We discussed examples of how waste awareness could be embedded more meaningfully in schools, and the potential of initiatives like the Hot School Meals Scheme in Irish primary schools to promote sustainability through sourcing, waste reduction, and nutritional value.
Policy, Practice & Potential
Our conversations also touched on the policy landscape, with many expressing the need for policy changes that support more circular practices – from public procurement to school food policies and public communication to SME support. There’s a clear appetite for integrating circular economy thinking into national frameworks, but also recognition that this starts with local experimentation and community-level innovation.
Looking Ahead
As the Waste2Worth project continues to evolve, it’s these types of cross-sectoral conversations that spark real momentum. It was encouraging to see so much interest in using education as a lever for systemic change, and I’m excited about how the resources we’re developing can support that shift – from classrooms to council chambers to commercial kitchens.
If you’re interested in learning more about Waste2Worth, check out our website and resources https://waste2worth.eu/ and follow our social media channels for updates.
