November 2014

Food waste in the United States is estimated at between percent of the food supply Food waste has far-reaching impacts –Food security –Natural Resources –Climate change

Food waste is a food security issue Wholesome food that is wasted could help feed families in need through donations to food pantries and soup kitchens. Wasted food distorts attitudes about the affordability of healthy diets.

Food waste is an natural resource issue In 2010, an estimated 133 billion pounds of food from U.S. retail food stores, restaurants, and homes— valued at approximately $161 billion—went uneaten.

Food waste is a climate change issue By reducing the amount of food we toss into the trash, we can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

U.S. Food Waste Challenge Reduce food loss and waste Recover wholesome food for human consumption Recycle discards to other uses including animal feed, composting, and energy generation Launched June 4, 2013

USDA’s commitments to the U.S. Food Waste Challenge Reduce food waste in the school-meals programs Educate consumers about food waste and food storage Streamline procedures for recovering misbranded meat and poultry

USDA’s commitments to the U.S. Food Waste Challenge Facilitate recovery of out-of-standard imported produce Estimate and model food loss Conduct research on new technologies for reducing food waste

Food and Nutrition Service Commitments to Reduce Food Loss and Waste in the School Meals Programs  Present a webinar  Develop and distribute a handout  Create and distribute a PowerPoint presentation

Sign Up Your School for the U.S. Food Waste Challenge!

Share Your Success Story Provide a platform for schools to help spur adoption and development! Send your schools success story to

Resources U.S. Food Waste Challenge Homepage – Webinars – Frequently Asked Questions – Reducing Food Waste – What Schools Can Do Today Infographic –