Countdown is bankrolling New Zealand’s first-ever Zero Food Waste Challenge, which aims to tackle the growing issue of food waste and encourage households and businesses to do the same.

Veronica Shale, founder of the Zero Food Waste Challenge, says that Kiwi households contribute the country’s largest proportion of food waste. 

“Eighty-six per cent of Kiwis believe that wasting food is wrong, but with so much information around, it’s hard to know where to start,” she said.

A recent survey from Rabobank reveals that an average Kiwi household wastes $1250 of food each year, which amounts to $3.1 billion worth of food nationwide that ends up uneaten and thrown away. 

Kiwis are also wasting more food than they did last year, with 54 per cent admitting to throwing up unopened food – a jump from 42 per cent in 2021.

The challenge kicks off on September 19, and those who join must have “nothing, nada, nil, zilch, zero” waste in their bin for one whole week. 

In the week before the challenge, participants will receive downloadable resources on how to prep their pantry and meals for zero waste. While during the challenge week, they’ll receive daily tips covering upcycling, food storage, leftover recipes, composting, and more.

“Sending zero food waste to landfill is one of our most critical sustainability goals,” said Kiri Hannifin, director of corporate affairs, Countdown. 

“We want to support our customers to make the most of their kai once they get it home, and taking part in the challenge will support them every step.”

Hannifin added that aside from participating in the challenge, customers can donate directly at the checkout to support the supermarket’s food rescue programme.

“We’d love to see our customers and other food businesses jump on board – food waste is something we all have to solve together,” he concluded.