Latest News & Updates
Featured Article
Make A Plan! Thanksgiving Food Waste Starts Way Sooner Than You Think
See more news, updates, articles, press releases, newsletters, and more in our Newsroom.
"Mission Multiplier: The Cross-Cutting Case for Food Waste Reduction"
Reducing food waste creates ripple effects across climate change, food access, affordability, and more, yet food waste reduction is rarely pursued as a “strategic lever” by those outside the space. Our new report series shows how food waste reduction represents a powerful and underutilized opportunity to advance core priorities faster by funding solutions that deliver benefits across multiple mission domains.
New Report
"The Food Operating System: How AI is Being Deployed Across the Food System to Reduce Waste"
Drawing on more than 40 interviews with industry leaders, technology developers, operators, and solution providers, as well as peer-reviewed academic research, case studies, and pilot program data, this report examines how AI is currently being applied to food waste reduction, where it is delivering measurable results, and where its impact remains constrained.
Join the Celebration
10 Years of the Roadmap
On March 9, 2016, ReFED released A Roadmap to Reduce U.S. Food Waste, the first-ever national economic analysis and action plan to tackle food waste at scale. Over the past decade, ReFED and the broader food waste movement have evolved from a small coalition of advocates into a nationally recognized force driving measurable change across business, culture, and policy.
And while we all have much to celebrate about the progress made since 2016, we’re excited to continue working with you to drive change throughout the food system!
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Stay on top of what’s happening in the fight against food waste—plus be the first to find out about news, events, funding opportunities, job postings, and more from ReFED and others in the space.
Here's How You Can Take Action
Food waste is a systemwide problem, so solving it will require systemwide action. That’s why we operate with a “big tent” mindset. No matter how you’re connected to the food system, there’s a lot that you can do right now to reduce food waste and bring about change—and we’re here to help.
For Food Businesses
Turn Commitments Into Action
As waste generators, businesses have a special responsibility to commit to progress and take action to reduce food waste. Luckily, there’s a range of solutions—from breakthrough innovations to basic best practices—that can transform your operations. We can show you what works.
For Funders/Investors
Reach Your Investment Goals
Capital of all types is needed to scale food waste reduction solutions, and we’re here to help you make impactful investments. We offer a comprehensive data-driven assessment of financing opportunities, plus more resources and services to help you develop your strategy.
For Food Waste Solution Providers
Maximize Your Impact
We’re committed to helping you grow your impact through partnership opportunities, awareness building, pitch events, and a range of tools and resources—all designed to help get your solution in front of funders and prospective business partners.
For Policymakers
Help Incentivize Action
Policy has the power to spark action, and across the country, federal, state, and local policymakers have opportunities to jump-start necessary change. Our food waste statistics and resources can educate you on what’s working, what’s needed—and the potential impact.
For the Media
Spread the Word
Everyone is connected to the food system and faced with the impacts of food waste. That means there’s a range of potential angles when it comes to food waste stories. ReFED has reporters covered with the most recent food waste statistics and data, expert sources, and more.
New to Food Waste?
Find Your Place In This Fight
We all have a role to play in reducing food loss and waste, and the best way to determine yours is to start at the beginning—by learning about the causes and extent of food waste and which solutions can have the greatest impact.
Food Waste By The Numbers
In 2024, 29% of all food in the U.S. went unsold or uneaten—and most of that ended up as waste.
Learn More: In 2024, 29% of all food in the U.S. went unsold or uneaten—and most of that ended up as waste.That's equivalent to:
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114 Billion Meals That could have gone to the food insecure -
$380 Billion Approximately 1.3% of U.S. GDP -
60% of Annual Emissions From passenger vehicles in the U.S. in 2022 -
24% of Landfill Volume Resulting in 59% of landfill methane (US EPA)
HOW REFED is transforming the food system
ReFED is the leading food waste nonprofit, leveraging a holistic view of the food system to collaborate with key audiences and drive coordinated action. Recognized as a leading voice for change, we accomplish our work by:
Leveraging Data & Insights
Tackling food waste requires a deep understanding of the problem, yet reliable information is scarce and fragmented. ReFED is a definitive source for data and economic analysis on food waste in the United States and the solutions to fight it, with a trusted history of producing insights and tools that support action.
Catalyzing Capital & Innovation
Food waste solutions offer economic, environmental, and social returns. ReFED is driving this impact by empowering innovators and shepherding the capital needed for scale, with a suite of best-in-class resources specifically designed for funders and solution providers.
Mobilizing Businesses
The businesses that grow, sell, and serve our food play a critical role in reducing food waste—and in supporting the efforts of their customers to do the same. ReFED's Business Services team provides the know-how to guide businesses toward sustainable, high-impact solutions, turning ambitious goals around food surplus into tangible results.
Cultivating Community
Food waste occurs up and down the supply chain, making cross-sector collaboration and coordination essential. ReFED connects stakeholders from across the food system through partnerships, affinity networks, events—including our annual Food Waste Solutions Summit—and more to drive food waste prevention.
Featured In
Key Topics
From food waste’s impact on the economy and climate to its role in driving food system inequality and more, here’s what people are talking about.
Explore Our Resources Library
Featured Resource
"Progress on the Plate: 2026 ReFED U.S. Food Waste Report"
Pulling together ReFED data analysis and modeling with external research and supported by narratives developed through our work with partners across the food waste ecosystem, "Progress on the Plate" is intended to help the food system understand food waste and what can be done to solve it.
See additional reports, fact sheets, action guides, and more in our Resources Library.
Donate to ReFED
Reducing food waste is a core solution to fight climate change, and it can quickly decrease levels of atmospheric methane. It also helps increase food security and make the best use of the money being spent to grow, harvest, process, transport, store, and consume food. Your support of ReFED helps us create the system-level impact that’s needed to drive real change.
