Food waste is a significant environmental and operational challenge for large, multi-site organisations such as universities, where multiple food vendors and varying practices make waste reduction difficult to manage consistently. UOW Pulse sought practical support to help campus food businesses better understand food waste and embed improved practices aligned with broader sustainability goals.

Green Yakka delivered an EPA-funded food waste education program at the University of Wollongong in partnership with UOW Pulse. The program worked directly with campus food vendors and business units to assess current food waste practices and identify opportunities to reduce waste at the source.

Green Yakka conducted baseline surveys, provided tailored recommendations and supplied practical resources such as checklists, guides and education materials. Ongoing support was provided through a food waste tracker, along with regular emails, calls and site visits to help businesses embed changes into everyday operations.

• Engagement with 21 participants across the University of Wollongong campus, including five UOW Pulse business units and 16 tenant food vendors (FY25 baseline)
• Improved understanding of food waste practices and opportunities across campus food operations
• Practical changes supported through tailored advice, tools and ongoing engagement
• Foundations laid to support wider rollout and ongoing food waste reduction over time

“Reducing food waste fits perfectly with UOW Pulse’s sustainability strategy. From our Sustainable Plate initiative to eliminating single-use plastics, we’re always looking for ways to lessen our environmental footprint. Partnering with Green Yakka through this EPA-funded program extends that commitment and helps us turn it into everyday action.”

Silvana Naumovski, Facilities & Project Manager, UOW Pulse