Our 2024 Mama4Planet project was launched to empower mothers and children in Sleman Regency to reduce food waste. The program successfully integrated into local schools to influence children’s behaviors, building the capacity of 35 mothers/parents and 15 teachers through a comprehensive six-session Training of Trainers (ToT) program. Online ToT modules through edukasi.mama4planet.com were also introduced for remote learning, reaching an additional 94 participants. The ToT sessions equipped local teachers to serve as trainers for their students in three education sessions in local schools. Following these education sessions, 65 students and their parents implemented practical food waste reduction in gamification activities.

By November 2024, Mama4Planet had improved knowledge among 75% of on-site ToT participants and 34% of online ToT participants. The program achieved a household food waste reduction of 16.36%, as measured by the Waste Assessment and Characterization Study (WACS). Building on its success, Mama4Planet has signed a long-term partnership with the Provincial Government to support the Zero-Waste Village vision, with a strong focus on empowering women and children. This initiative has fostered collaboration between the U.S. and Indonesia on food waste reduction, highlighting the power of grassroots solutions to address global environmental challenges.