Anyone who has ever done a “family shop” knows the drill: little hands reaching for sweets, a trolley filling up with food nobody will actually eat, and half of it landing in the bin within days. Food waste and kids often go hand in hand — but a few simple habits can make a real difference, both for your food bill and for the planet.
Here are some practical, parent-tested tips for cutting food waste when shopping and eating out with kids.
#1. Feed ’em up – never shop hungry:
When it comes to food, our eyes are definitely bigger than our stomachs. Hitting the supermarket with a rumbling tummy is a sure way to end up buying too much — and reaching for sugary snacks you don’t really need. And that’s just you! Kids have short attention spans at the best of times, and these get even shorter when they’re hungry. If you’re bringing them shopping, feed them first.
#2. Make a list – check it twice:
Sticking to a list is one of the easiest ways to stay on track at the supermarket. Let the kids help make their own list and pick items off the shelves themselves. Choosing items and talking through how they fit into family meals keeps children interested and helps them understand the idea of a balanced diet — and it keeps the “can we get this” requests to a minimum too.
#3. Small but mighty:
Kids can be put off food if they feel overwhelmed by the amount in front of them. Smaller portions on a plate, or right-sized lunches with smaller pieces of fruit, mean they don’t feel daunted by a mountain of food. Let them come back for seconds if they’re still hungry.
You’ll soon notice the kitchen shelves emptying out, instead of scraping leftover dinners into the bin.
#4. Master the menu:
Eating out is a treat, and it’s worth reminding kids of that. That said, children’s menu portions are often far bigger than a young child can manage, which can be off-putting before the meal has even started.
Don’t be afraid to chat to waiting staff about portion size when ordering for your child — many restaurants are happy to serve a smaller portion or split a dish. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for menus offering properly proportioned children’s versions of adult meals, rather than defaulting to the usual chips-heavy kids’ options.
For more tips and resources on cutting food waste at home, visit stopfoodwaste.ie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do families waste so much food when shopping with kids?
It usually comes down to impulse buying — hungry kids (and hungry parents!) tend to add extra snacks and treats to the trolley that weren’t planned for, and these often go uneaten or end up as waste.
How can I get my kids more involved in reducing food waste?
Let them help write the shopping list and pick items off the shelf. When children understand why certain foods are being bought, they’re more likely to eat what’s served and waste less.
Are smaller portions really the answer for fussy eaters?
Often, yes. A smaller portion feels manageable rather than overwhelming, and kids can always ask for more if they’re still hungry — which cuts down on food scraped into the bin.
What should I do if a restaurant’s kids’ meal is too big for my child?
Ask the waiting staff for a smaller portion, or see if you can order a half portion of an adult dish. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate this.
Related Articles
- Easy Ways to Get Kids Involved in Meal Planning
- Healthy Lunchbox Ideas That Kids Will Actually Eat
- Family Meal Planning: Saving Time and Money in the Kitchen
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Food waste habits are easier to keep up when you’ve got the tips handy. Bookmark this page or save it to your parenting tips folder so you’ve got it ready for your next shopping trip or family meal out.
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