Score contribution per author:
α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
Based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) data for 2004, 2006, and 2009, this study employs a fixed-effects model to examine the impacts of the dietary knowledge of household food decision makers on the quantity of household food waste in terms of amount and calories levels. Specifically, the interaction effect between dietary knowledge and community development is explored. The results indicate that the dietary knowledge of the household food decision maker significantly impacts food waste and calories loss. With the development of the local community, the impacts of dietary knowledge on household food waste and calories loss seem to decrease. The heterogeneous impacts of dietary knowledge on food waste and calories loss in urban and rural areas and among different income groups are also observed. The findings contribute toward a better understanding of the issues related to household food waste and calories loss in China in the context of economic development and residents’ increasing dietary knowledge.