Groundbreaking Survey Exposes Alarming Scale of US Food Waste—A Third of All Food Discarded

A comprehensive Gallup survey, sponsored by MITRE, delves into the pervasive issue of food waste in the United States, uncovering startling statistics—approximately one-third of all food in America is wasted, resulting in billions of dollars lost annually. The survey, conducted across 9,259 U.S. households, is hailed as the "largest known" representative study of food waste in the country, shedding light on each state's habits regarding grocery disposal.

Initiatives to curtail this colossal waste have the potential to significantly benefit the economy, environment, and national security, according to the report. The study underscores the critical role of understanding Americans' behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge about food waste in combating climate change. Identifying unnecessary food waste as a top solution, the report emphasizes the urgency of grasping the issue's scale.

The survey, directed and funded by the MITRE Independent Research and Development Program, involved collaboration with Ohio State University, World Wildlife Fund, ReFED, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic. As millions face increased food insecurity, the survey highlights the dual challenge: not only does food waste deplete resources and drive climate change, but it occurs amid a rise in hunger nationwide.