Introduction: The influence of women in shaping household dietary habits is undeniable, with their maternal nutritional knowledge significantly impacting the overall well-being of their families. The study objective was to evaluate the impact of maternal nutritional knowledge on household dietary habits, emphasising the improvement in women’s nutrition knowledge and food-related behaviours. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the immediate and long-term effects of a nutrition education intervention on the nutrition knowledge and food-related behaviours of women. Methodology: A quasi-experimental research design was employed to assess the effects of a Nutrition Education Programme (NEP) on female caregivers’ nutrition knowledge and food-related behaviours. This study followed a four-phase approach: baseline survey, programme formulation, implementation and evaluation. Data were collected at various stages of this study using two measurement tools: a Dietary Diversity Questionnaire and a Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire. Results: Statistical analysis was performed to answer the research questions and to test the null hypotheses at a significance level of 0.05. The intervention positively affected nutrition knowledge, with the mean percentage increasing from 49.1% to 63.7% and reaching 64.4% at follow-up, indicating long-term knowledge retention. The findings of this study suggest a positive shift towards increased consumption of nutrient-rich food groups. There were significant improvements in the food groups’ consumption of the meat group (7.15 ± 2.35), eggs (1 ± 0), dairy (3.76 ± 1.19), cereal (8.78 ± 2.09), legumes (2.86 ± 0.95) and fats and oils (2.12 ± 0.55). Additionally, the variety of food groups consumed significantly improved (p = 0.012) post-intervention, with an increasing trend in the consumption of a variety of food groups (7–9). Recommendation: Tailored nutrition education (NE) programs, in conjunction with addressing socioeconomic barriers positively impact nutritional behaviours, promote healthier food consumption patterns and assist in long-term knowledge retention in disadvantaged communities.

Food insecurity and household food waste paradoxically coexist in South Africa, particularly within informal settlements where poverty, infrastructure deficits, and socio economic challenges exacerbate the issue. This study examines the patterns and drivers of household food waste in four informal communities in the Fezile Dabi District, Free State province. A structured questionnaire was administered to 433 households using a descriptive quantitative design. Fruits, dairy, and carbohydrate staples were the most frequently wasted items, with contributing factors including poor storage, limited food literacy, unreliable electricity, and household preferences. Although 85% of participants had cooking experience, few applied consistent waste reduction practices. Liquid waste, especially dairy, and discarded prepared foods such as rice and vegetables were common. The findings highlight both behavioural and infrastructural causes, underscoring the need for integrated, community-based interventions. The study contributes evidence to guide local policy, education, and SDG-aligned strategies to reduce food waste and enhance food security. Its significance lies in addressing gaps in under-resourced communities, supporting policy development, informing targeted education and behaviour change initiatives, and advancing progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 12.3.

Effective food management at the household level can contribute to reducing global food waste. This study investigated the factors influencing household food waste within a semi-urban community. A quantitative, cross-sectional, non-experimental research design was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire administered to 426 participants. Results indicate a high level of cognitive awareness during the purchasing phase; a vast majority of participants reported checking refrigerator stocks (88.0%), verifying expiration dates (89.0%) and storing food immediately upon returning home (89.9%). However, these proactive shopping behaviours contrasted sharply with household waste outcomes. Despite checking dates at the point of sale, 67.4 percent of participants identified ‘passed expiry dates’ as the leading driver of food waste, whilst 55.9 percent cited items being left in the refrigerator too long. The study highlights the disconnect between intent and follow-through and places emphasis on the need for a multilayered approach among policymakers, community organisations and other stakeholders. Such interventions can contribute to reducing household food waste, improving food security and advancing progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 12.3. By addressing both the behavioural and structural determinants of food waste and understanding the drivers of household food waste targeted and context-specific interventions can be developed.

Background: Women remain the primary caregivers globally, especially in rural, low-resource settings plagued by poverty, unemployment, low education and poor infrastructure. These factors limit caregiving capacity, heighten vulnerability and increase the risk of food insecurity in female-headed households. Objective: To establish a baseline profile of caregivers of primary school children. Methods: Phase 1 (baseline) of the study was conducted using a quantitative, exploratory cross-sectional survey design among 75 female caregivers of children aged 7–13 years in Qwa-Qwa, Free State Province. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected with a structured, pre-validated questionnaire on socio-demographics, alongside anthropometric measurements. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Most participants were unemployed (73.3%) and had low educational attainment, with 86.7% having completed primary school or less. A substantial proportion of households (80.0%) reported a monthly income below R1000. Food insecurity was common, with 69.3% of caregivers reporting experiences of food shortages. Household infrastructure was limited, particularly in refuse removal services (96.0% without access). Despite these socio-economic constraints, a high prevalence of overweight and obesity (72.5%) was observed amongst the participants. Conclusions: Caregivers experience severe, overlapping socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities alongside a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. The study highlights the need for multi-sectoral interventions focused on poverty reduction, rural infrastructure development, improved service delivery, women’s empowerment and strengthened livelihood opportunities to improve household nutrition and resilience.