Purpose – Given the importance of food wastes in households, the purpose was to identify the attitudes of
young consumers towards the food sharing (FS) phenomenon in its cognitive, emotional and behavioral
dimensions and to verify the reliability of the FAB (food sharing attitudes and behaviors) model, used as a
research tool.
Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted in 2021 using the computer assisted web
interview (CAWI) method. The FAB model was based on the ABC (affect, behavior and cognition) model of
attitudes, which includes three components: affect, behavior and cognition. Questions on the phenomenon of FS
were scaled on a 5-point Likert scale. A total of 469 correctly completed forms were obtained. To assess the
reliability of the FAB model the Cronbach’s alpha was used. In the statistical analysis SPSS Statistics 27
was used.
Findings – Young consumers have a positive attitude towards the idea of FS and the initiative of FS points.
Gender is a significant factor in FS attitudes. The FAB model has proven to be a reliable tool for exploring
consumer attitudes towards FS. A set of activities was proposed to promote the idea of FS on university
campuses and among other potential stakeholders.
Originality/value – To contribute to the body of knowledge on FS, the authors proposed the FAB model. The
results of this study are relevant for reducing food wastes; they promote sustainable food consumption and the
European Green Deal (EGD).