Bigger isn’t always better: Fighting waste on Stop Food Waste Day

We’re all about giving parents the tools they need to make family life a little easier – and that includes helping you waste less food. So, with Stop Food Waste Day upon us, what better time to call out one of the biggest culprits of school lunch waste: oversized lunchboxes.

While packing an all-in-one ‘hold-it-all’ lunchbox might seem like the best way to keep your child full and fuelled for the day, the key is making sure it’s the right size.

Here are the top reasons why a smaller, more considered lunchbox might be a better choice – especially when it comes to reducing food waste at home.

Little kids, little appetites (and little time)

When children start school, many parents are shocked to see how much food comes home uneaten. "She barely touched her sandwich!" "He only had two bites of lunch!" Sound familiar?

Unlike kindergarten or daycare, where educators often supervise and help manage mealtimes, ‘big school’ lunch breaks are short and largely self-directed. That means most children quickly transition from eating full meals to grabbing quick bites between playtime and chatting with friends. It’s totally normal – and it’s not a sign something’s wrong.

Packing a giant lunchbox full of food only sets you (and your child) up for disappointment when half of it, inevitably, comes home untouched. Choosing a smaller, well-designed lunchbox suited to snack-style eating can save stress and waste.

More time to play, less pressure to eat

Let’s be honest: school isn’t just for learning. It’s also for making friends, playing games and having fun. A child sitting alone on the steps trying to finish a towering lunch while their friends run off to the playground isn’t just missing out on playtime – they may also start to associate lunch with anxiety or pressure.

Small, easy-to-eat portions (think: cut fruit, crackers, veggie sticks, half a sandwich) encourage your child to eat what they need quickly and happily, leaving more time for socialising and positive lunchtime experiences.

No, they won’t starve

It’s tempting to over-pack, especially if you’re worried about your child going hungry. But here’s the truth: a nourishing breakfast and a solid afternoon snack at home can easily compensate for a smaller lunch.

Instead of overwhelming kids with too much at once, aim for balance across the day. A smaller lunchbox reduces waste by encouraging you to pack only what’s needed – and helps kids listen to their own hunger cues, too.

How to: Reduce waste with smart choices

Food waste isn’t just about leftovers – it’s about rethinking what we pack in the first place. Choosing a lunchbox that matches your child’s age, appetite and eating style is a simple but powerful way to reduce waste and promote healthier, happier habits.

At Mini Hippo, our wide range of compact bento lunchboxes (like the crowd-favourite Yumbox, the Thermo Bento Box and the FlexiLunch Junior) is designed exactly for this kind of snack-style eating. Each compartment makes it easy to pack variety without going overboard – and lets you waste less, every single day.

• Yumbox Snack: Ideal for any age, designed for healthy snacks. Holds 2 cups of food | Learn more
• Yumbox Original: Ideal for kids aged pre-school to eight, especially picky eaters who like a variety of foods. Holds 2.8 cups of food | Learn more
• Yumbox Panino: Ideal for kids aged pre-school to eight, who prefer one large meal and smaller snacks on the side. Holds 3.1 cups of food | Learn more
• Yumbox Pret: Ideal for kids and adults. Holds 3.4 cups of food | Learn more
• Yumbox Tapas: Ideal for pre-teens and adults, or active kids. Holds 4.2 cups of food | Learn more
• Yumbox Presto: Ideal for pre-teens and adults, or active kids. Holds 3.5 cups of food | Learn more
• Thermo Bento Box: Ideal for kids in primary school, who prefer a warm option | Learn more
• FlexiLunch Junior Bento Box: Ideal for children up to nine years old | Learn more

So, this Stop Food Waste Day, let’s keep it simple, smart and sustainable: for your child, your kitchen, and the planet.