Teaching Kids to Reduce Food Waste in the Kitchen

We all want our kids to understand the importance of reducing food waste and using resources wisely. But how do you teach them in a way that’s fun and engaging? Here are some great tips for teaching children about food waste reduction in the kitchen.

Make it a Game

One of the best ways to teach children about reducing food waste is to make it into a game. For example, you can challenge your child to “guess” what food items you have left over from dinner or lunch. This will help them learn which foods they should use up first and which ones they should save for later. You can also give them points for finding the most creative ways to use leftovers or come up with delicious new recipes!

Take Advantage of Technology

There are many apps available that can help kids learn about reducing food waste. From meal planning apps like Mealime, which helps you find recipes based on what ingredients you have on hand, to games like Food Rescue Hero, which teaches kids how to prevent food waste by rescuing virtual meals from hungry monsters! It’s a great way for kids to learn about reducing food waste without feeling overwhelmed or bored.

Educate Through Cooking

Cooking is an excellent way for kids to learn about reducing food waste while having fun at the same time! Have your child join you in the kitchen and teach them why it’s important to use up all of their ingredients instead of throwing them out. Explain why it’s important not to buy too much produce (as it often gets wasted) and why saving leftovers is so useful. Show your child how easy it is to turn yesterday's dinner into today's lunch — just by adding some fresh vegetables or herbs! Plus, this gives your kid a sense of responsibility as they become more involved with cooking meals at home.



Teaching children about reducing food waste in the kitchen doesn't have to be tedious or boring — there are lots of fun, creative ways that will keep your little ones engaged while still learning an important lesson about sustainability. Making it into a game, taking advantage of technology, and educating through cooking are all great strategies for teaching kids about reducing food waste in an enjoyable way! With just a little effort, we can all do our part in helping reduce unnecessary amounts of food from ending up in landfills around the world!






Get ready to cook up a storm while making a positive impact! Cooking in Bloom's classes and birthday parties are the perfect way for kids to have fun, learn new skills, and make a difference with sustainable ingredients. Let's get cooking and show the world how delicious being sustainable can be!

Shelby Joiner