
Despite ambitious federal targets, the United States is struggling to make meaningful progress in its effort to cut food waste in half by 2030. A new study in Nature Food reveals that state-level policies are woefully inadequate, and without a shift in strategy and greater federal intervention, the U.S. risks failing to meet this critical goal. However, insights from ReFED, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing food waste, offer hope in the form of data-driven solutions that could guide the nation toward significant improvements.
The Scale of the Problem
The U.S. federal food waste reduction goal was established with a clear objective: to cut per capita food waste from 149 kilograms in 2016 to 74 kilograms by 2030. This ambitious target aligns with global efforts under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 to halve food waste at the consumer and retail levels. Yet the numbers tell a grim story.
According to the study, food waste levels have stagnated, remaining at the 2016 baseline, with no significant reductions achieved. Even the most optimistic projections, based on existing state policies, fall far short. Under the EPA’s 2016 definition, which included recycling as part of food waste diversion, the nation could only reduce food waste to 46 kilograms per capita. The updated EPA-2021 definition, which excludes recycling from diversion metrics, underscores the challenge further, showing reductions to just 14 kilograms per capita at best.
The results highlight a fundamental issue: state policies, which often emphasize recycling over prevention and recovery, lack the scope and strength needed to address the magnitude of the problem.
Flawed Strategies and Missed Opportunities
The focus on recycling as a primary solution has shaped much of the policy landscape, but the study argues that this approach may be misguided. Recycling strategies, such as organic waste bans and composting laws, are easier to implement but fail to tackle the root causes of food waste. Prevention and rescue efforts—strategies aimed at reducing surplus production and redistributing excess food to those in need—offer greater impact but remain underdeveloped.
In states where recycling policies dominate, there is often little attention paid to upstream interventions. Policies that encourage food donations, establish clear date labeling standards, or invest in infrastructure to support surplus food recovery are implemented inconsistently across the country. This imbalance perpetuates a reactive rather than proactive approach, framing food waste as a material to be managed rather than a resource to be preserved.
California, a leader in food waste reduction, offers an example of a more comprehensive approach. Its Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy (SB 1383) mandates separate organic waste collection, encourages food donations, and includes robust liability protections for businesses that donate surplus food. In contrast, many states have limited or no policies addressing food waste prevention or rescue, focusing instead on end-of-life solutions like composting or landfill diversion.
Insights from ReFED: A Path Forward
ReFED’s work provides a glimmer of hope in the otherwise daunting challenge of food waste reduction. The organization’s analysis suggests that prevention strategies could offer the greatest returns. Reducing surplus at the source—whether through better inventory management, clearer date labels, or consumer education—can prevent waste before it occurs, creating economic savings while addressing environmental concerns.
For instance, confusion over date labels leads to significant amounts of edible food being discarded unnecessarily. Standardizing date labels nationwide could prevent billions of pounds of food waste each year. Similarly, educating consumers on meal planning and storage techniques could empower households to reduce waste while saving money—ReFED estimates the average American family of four throws away over $3,000 worth of food annually.
In addition to prevention, rescue efforts represent a crucial area of untapped potential. Programs that recover surplus food from retailers and redistribute it to food-insecure communities could address both waste and hunger. However, these programs require significant investment in infrastructure, such as cold storage and transportation, to ensure rescued food reaches those who need it most. Tax incentives and public-private partnerships could further encourage businesses to participate in rescue initiatives.
The Need for Federal Leadership
The study emphasizes that state policies alone are insufficient to meet the federal goal. A coordinated national strategy is essential to align efforts across states and ensure that all regions contribute to meaningful progress. Federal leadership could drive the standardization of policies, such as uniform date labeling laws and expanded tax incentives for food donations, while also providing funding for infrastructure improvements and public education campaigns.
Federal initiatives could also address gaps in data collection and reporting. Accurate, granular data on food waste generation and diversion is critical for designing effective interventions. ReFED’s data-driven approach has already highlighted significant opportunities for improvement, but greater federal involvement could enhance these efforts by ensuring consistency and accountability across states.
Overcoming Barriers to Change
The path to achieving the 2030 food waste reduction goal is not without challenges. Resistance from stakeholders, competing priorities, and limited funding all pose significant barriers. The study highlights the need for strong political will and public engagement to overcome these obstacles.
Framing the issue of food waste as both an environmental and economic imperative could garner broader support. For example, the connection between food waste and greenhouse gas emissions is well-documented—food waste accounts for 8–10% of global emissions, with landfilled food contributing significantly to methane production. Addressing food waste as part of climate policy could amplify its importance and attract additional resources.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The findings of the study are a sobering reminder of the work that lies ahead. While the United States has made strides in recognizing the importance of food waste reduction, the current pace and scope of action are insufficient to meet the 2030 target. However, with stronger federal leadership, targeted investments, and a shift toward prevention and rescue, the nation has the potential to transform its food system.
ReFED’s insights provide a clear path forward, highlighting actionable solutions that can address the root causes of food waste while delivering economic and environmental benefits. By embracing these strategies and fostering collaboration among policymakers, businesses, and communities, the U.S. can turn the tide on food waste and build a more sustainable future. The clock is ticking, but with decisive action, the 2030 goal remains within reach.
Check out our interview with ReFED's president Dana Gunders on the FoodTech Junkies Podcast!
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