U.S. Wastes One-Third of Food, Costing $428 Billion In 2022

A startling report reveals that the United States squandered a staggering one-third of its food supply in 2022, amounting to a whopping $428 billion, even as a significant portion of its population struggled with food insecurity.

Groceries and restaurants contribute to 20.2% of food waste, while homes account for a staggering 48.2% of surplus food.

Lena Beck, reporting for Modern Farmer, highlighted the dire implications of this wastage, including its environmental toll and economic burden.

Dana Gunders, executive director of ReFED, uncovered alarming statistics, indicating that 16.8% of fruits and vegetables are lost at the farm level due to market uncertainties. Additionally, 14.7% of food is wasted during processing, with even edible potato peels discarded by French fries manufacturers.

Groceries and restaurants contribute to 20.2% of food waste, while homes account for a staggering 48.2% of surplus food.

Aside from the economic impact, the environmental ramifications are severe, with wasted food consuming 6.1% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions and utilizing 16% of cropland and 22% of freshwater resources.

Moreover, improper disposal in landfills exacerbates the issue, as food waste contributes significantly to methane production, a potent greenhouse gas.

Efforts to mitigate food wastage and its associated environmental and social costs are urgently needed to ensure a more sustainable and equitable food system.

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