ZERO – Youth Leaders Standing Up Against Food Waste

Empowering young people and youth workers to take action against food waste through education, sustainability, and innovation.

What Is ZERO?

ZERO is a European Erasmus+ cooperation project that addresses food waste as a social, environmental, and educational challenge. The project focuses on empowering youth workers, educators, and young people to understand how food waste is connected to climate change, health, and everyday lifestyle choices.

Through non-formal education, research-based content, and practical learning activities, ZERO creates accessible tools that help young people develop sustainable food habits and responsible consumption practices. The project combines European policy knowledge, real-life examples, and youth-friendly methodologies to transform complex food system issues into engaging and easy-to-understand learning experiences.

ZERO brings together organisations from across Europe that are active in youth work, sustainability, and food systems. By working collaboratively, the partnership develops educational resources, training formats, and digital tools that can be easily used in youth centres, schools, and local communities. At its core, ZERO aims to inspire young people to become active participants and ambassadors for zero food waste and sustainable living.

About Us

ZERO is implemented by a European partnership of organisations active in youth work, sustainability, education, and food systems. The partnership brings together social enterprises, youth organisations, and agricultural stakeholders from different European countries, united by a shared goal: reducing food waste through education and youth-led action.

Through cross-border cooperation and non-formal education, the partnership develops practical tools and meaningful learning experiences that support young people, youth workers, and local communities in adopting more sustainable and responsible food practices.

Why ZERO Matters

Food waste is a growing challenge with serious environmental, social, and economic consequences. Every year, huge amounts of food are wasted, leading to the loss of valuable natural resources and increased greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, many people across Europe face difficulties accessing healthy and affordable food.

ZERO matters because it focuses on prevention and education, especially at household and community level—where individual choices can make a real difference. By targeting young people and those who work with them, the project supports long-term change. It helps young people develop the awareness, skills, and motivation needed to adopt more sustainable food behaviours and to positively influence their peers and communities.

ZERO Objectives:

The main objectives of ZERO are to:

• Increase awareness of food waste and its links to climate change, health, and sustainability

• Promote sustainable food choices and food waste prevention at household level

• Strengthen the capacity of youth workers and educators through non-formal education tools

• Support young people in becoming active ambassadors for zero food waste and responsible consumption

• Encourage youth-led action and community engagement around sustainable food systems