Desperdício de alimentos em domicílios de classe média baixa a partir do método do itinerário

Abstract

Food waste is a widely discussed problem that is related to cultural, political and technological issues that cover the various stages of the production chain. In developed countries, it is usually related to consumer behavior, as well as policies and regulations that address priorities in other sectors. Waste is a priority issue on international agendas, in view of its environmental, social and economic impacts, requiring more production than is necessary to meet market demand. Brazil is among the nations that waste the most food at the consumer and retail level. Lack of knowledge of food waste is a major barrier to any possible future solutions. This study proposes that even lower middle class families can often waste food due to behavioral and cultural aspects. Consumers are not aware of the triggers behind the waste they practice due to the fact that these practices are deeply rooted in their daily routines. The study has as its general objective to investigate the phenomenon of household food waste, from the antecedents to the final stage of the supply chain in low-income households located in a municipality in the west and southwest of Paraná. Specifically, it aims to explore the consumer decision process; identify at each stage of the itinerary: the purchase decision, the shopping trip, the moment of purchase, the organization of purchases at home, preparation for use, consumption and disposal; identify cultural aspects of consumers. The

research has a qualitative character and a narrative approach. For data collection, semi- structured interviews and on-site observation were used. Convenience sampling and the

number was stipulated from data saturation. Data were analyzed by content analysis. Based on the findings, this research identified that all stages of the itinerary method have the potential to promote food waste, and the main antecedents of waste in the studied families, the lack of purchase planning, excessive purchases and food storage, adding up to with excessive preparations, lack of interest in consuming leftovers due to behavioral aspects such as abundance and hospitality. Much of the waste occurs within homes and, therefore, actions that are initiated within family units are necessary. In addition to public policies that encourage practices of conscious consumption in relation to food to solve the problem of waste would be essential.