The effect of food waste behavior among Generation Z on sustainable food security

Generation Z, as the primary consumers in society, plays a crucial role in determining the sustainability of global food security. Despite being known as environmentally-conscious innovators, the gap between their attitudes and behaviors towards food wastage has adverse severe impacts. High levels of food waste are associated with a decrease in the amount of food available, increasing the risk of hunger and negatively impacting food security. This study analyzed 150 Generation Z participants to understand the diversity of socio-demographic characteristics and food consumption patterns. Through a holistic analysis, this study aims to identify factors such as attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral control that underlie Generation Z's food wastage behavior, and explore their relationship with sustainable levels of food security. The research method used was a mixed method, which was analyzed using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The results showed that food waste behavior among Generation Z, through attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral control contributes 26 to food security, with attitudes having the most significant influence. These findings highlight the importance of increasing awareness and fostering positive attitudes towards sustainable food management as key factors in strengthening food security. Therefore, policies focusing on developing positive attitudes among Generation Z are essential to reducing food wastage and supporting sustainable food security. © 2025 The Authors.