what’s food waste?

Food waste refers to food that is fit for consumption but consciously discarded at the retail or consumption phases. It encompasses losses from mold, pests, or inadequate climate control; losses from cooking; and intentional food waste. Food waste occurs along the entire spectrum of production, from the farm to distribution to retailers to the consumer. It’s a significant issue, with up to 40% of all food produced going uneaten in the U.S. This wasted food often ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental problems such as methane emissions. Efforts to reduce food waste include initiatives to recover and redistribute excess food to those in need, as well as consumer education on how to better store, cook, and compost food to minimize waste.