The Link Between Food Waste and Food Insecurity

In the United States, thousands of families struggle to put food on the table, at the same time millions of tons of food are thrown away each year. However, food waste and food insecurity can be solved as a singular issue.

The Problem

Food Waste: The U.S. discards nearly 40% of its food supply, which is around 120 billion pounds each year. This waste is from farms, grocery stores, restaurants, and households.

Food Insecurity: At the same time, over 44 million Americans live in households that face food insecurity, meaning they don’t have consistent access to enough food to live an active, healthy life.

The Connection

Food waste and food insecurity exist because the food system in our nation has inefficiencies at every stage:

Production: Farmers often discard “imperfect” produce that’s perfectly edible but doesn’t meet retail standards.

Distribution: Grocery stores overstock shelves to create abundance for shoppers, leading to excess that expires before it can be sold.

Consumer Behavior: Households buy more than they can use, letting food spoil before it’s eaten.

If even a fraction of this wasted food was redirected, it could make a significant difference for people in need. According to Feeding America, recovering just 30% of all wasted food in the U.S. could feed every food-insecure American.

Role of Food Organizations

Food pantries, and food banks play a vital role in these issues by gathering surplus food and redistributing it to the community. This not only feeds families but also reduces the environmental harm caused by sending food to landfills, where it produces methane,a powerful greenhouse gas.

How Solving One Can Help the Other

Environmental Win: Having less food in landfills results in a smaller climate impact.

Social Win:  Surplus food being distributed results in fewer families struggling to feed themselves.

Economic Win: Reducing waste saves businesses and other organizations money.

How You Can Help

Support Local Organizations – Volunteer, donate, or help connect businesses to food pantries and banks.

Shop Smart – Buy what you know you’ll eat, and don't leave excess.