The Food Waste Watchers Program provides free education and other benefits for those who want to learn how to prevent food waste in their homes.

Phoenix and Arizona State University are overseeing the program in which city residents receive training on tips to decrease household food waste such as better food purchasing, storing food practices and meal-planning tools.

Participants also will receive a composting service to collect their household food waste. Food waste can cost a family of four up to $1,500 per year, according to a release.

“The City of Phoenix is continuously working to make it easier for residents to live more sustainably," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said.

“This program provides simple strategies to reduce food waste, in turn making our food system more resilient, reducing harmful carbon emissions and saving families money."

Qualifications include:

• Residents who meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development income requirements.
• Those who live in one of the following City of Phoenix Villages: Alhambra, Laveen, Central City, Estrella, Maryvale, South Mountain or a food desert area in the Deer Valley or North Mountain Villages.
• Residents must commit to participating in the program for one year.

Applications are being accepted through Oct. 31 and the program begins in mid-January. For a full list of qualifications and to apply, visit Phoenix.gov/OEP/Food-Waste.