Food waste, catering practices and public procurement: A case study of hospital food systems in Wales

Roberta Sonnino and Susannah McWilliam

Food Policy, 2011, vol. 36, issue 6, 823-829

Abstract: This article aims to address the need for more comprehensive studies on sustainable food systems through a case study of hospital food waste in Wales, UK. Based on a mixed-method research approach that focused on the links between hospital food waste, catering practices and public procurement strategies, the article shows that the hospital meal system, in the case studied, is responsible for overall levels of food waste that greatly exceed the official percentages provided by the Health Board. In addition to showing the theoretical benefits of research that accounts for the complex interrelations between different stages of the food chain, the study raises the need for a more integrated political approach that mobilizes all actors in the food system around a shared vision for sustainable development.

Keywords: Procurement; Sustainable food systems; Food waste production; Hospital food; Food catering practices in the public sector (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (29)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:36:y:2011:i:6:p:823-829

DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2011.09.003

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