The Impact of Food Waste on the Environment and Food Security
Approximately one-third of all produced foods (about 1.3 billion tons) for human consumption is lost and wasted every year.2 While food is tossed into landfills, millions of individuals and families struggle with hunger and food insecurity. The USDA defines food waste as edible, postharvest food available for human consumption but not consumed.1 The issue of food waste isn’t just about what’s thrown away; it’s also about lost resources and missed opportunities to provide food for those in need.
Food in perfect state in a dumpster, representing food waste, generative AI
Reducing food waste is one of the most effective and impactful ways to support food security. We can manage our efforts to waste less from our kitchens by redistributing food to those who need it most and preserving valuable resources like water, energy, and labor.
The Connection Between Food Waste and Food Security
In the United States alone, 30–40% of the food supply is wasted.1 This waste doesn’t just affect our wallets. This also affects our environment and food systems. When food is thrown away, the water used to grow it, the energy used to transport it, and the labor that goes into producing it are also wasted.
Millions of Americans live in food-insecure households, unsure where their next meal will come from. Addressing food waste can make food accessible to those in need and protect the environment at the same time.
Practical Tips for Reducing Food Waste in Your Daily Life
Thoughtful Meal Planning
Start your week by making a meal plan and grocery list. Shop with intention and avoid impulse buys that may spoil before you use them.
Use-What-You-Have
Get creative with foods already in your fridge or pantry. Stir-fries, soups, and casseroles are great for using extra vegetables before they spoil or cooking grains.
Proper Food Storage
Store fruits, vegetables, and leftovers to maximize freshness and longevity. For example, keep herbs in water like flowers, and store apples away from other fruits to prevent them from quickly ripening.
Composting
We can’t always use every peel or core. Composting turns these scraps into nutrient-rich soil for gardens, which will help reduce the waste and enrich the earth.
Community-Based Solutions to Address Food Waste and Hunger
Food recovery programs and food banks collect a surplus of food from farms, grocery stores, and restaurants and redirect the access to those in need. Communities can come together to fight food waste and enhance food access. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), food recovery programs divert food from landfills and increase equitable access to nutrition in underserved communities 2.
Take a moment to determine if your local community has food banks or a food pantry. If so, consider how you can support it by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word to those in need.
Advocacy and Policy: Supporting Long-Term Food Waste Reduction
Policy changes play an essential role when it comes to long-term impact. Advocating and voting for legislation supporting food donation, preventing unnecessary waste in supply chains, and encouraging sustainable farming can create lasting improvements.
Policy Solutions for Reducing Food Waste and Supporting Food Access
In the U.S., the Food Donation Improvement Act encourages more businesses to donate safe, surplus food by providing liability protections.2
Interested in the polices shaping food access and health in your community? Start by attending local council meetings, exploring your county website, or connecting with community coalitions. You can also take steps to join advocacy efforts, share your voice with elected officials, and help push for policies that promote equity and food security for all.
Conclusion
When reducing food waste, know that it is more than sustainable. Whether you start with planning your meals or composting scraps, this is an excellent step toward ensuring everyone has enough to eat and creating a better environment. Whether you’re a parent trying to stretch your grocery budget or a community leader seeking sustainable solutions, your actions matter.
Let’s commit to wasting less and feeding more!
References
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2023). Food waste FAQs. https://www.usda.gov/foodwaste/faqs
- Ishangulyyev, R., Kim, S., & Lee, S. H. (2019). Understanding Food Loss and Waste-Why Are We Losing and Wasting Food?. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 8(8), 297. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8080297
- Gunders, D., Bloom, J., Berkenkamp, J., Hoover, D., & Spacht, A. (2017). Wasted: How America is losing up to 40 percent of its food from farm to fork to landfill (2nd ed.). Natural Resources Defense Council. https://www.nrdc.org/resources/wasted-how-america-losing-40-percent-its-food-farm-fork-landfill
