The Challenge
Each year, between 30-40% of all food in the US is unsold or uneaten. That’s $408 billion worth of food—roughly 2% of US GDP—and about 4% of US GHG emissions. Most becomes food waste, heading straight to landfill, incineration, down the drain, or it's left in the fields be tilled back under. All while millions face hunger and our ecosystems are degraded. This issue was exacerbated as the COVID-19 pandemic created massive disruptions in the food system. Farmers lost markets as businesses shut down, grocery shelves sat empty, food pantry lines ran for miles as a spotlight was shone on the gaps in our systems; even more food was lost as food insecurity grew. Addressing this challenge is essential to building a regenerative and resilient food system that helps mitigate climate change, reverses nature loss, and feeds more people.
The Solution
Businesses, government agencies, funders, and many others are already taking huge strides to address this challenge—but a massive acceleration is needed. We are calling on the Biden administration, Congress, and state and local leaders to take ambitious action to achieve national and international goals to reduce food loss and waste 50% by 2030.
To support the ZFWC and stay up to date on new ZFWC events and resources, please reach out to us at info@zerofoodwastecoalition.org