The issue of food waste in the United States is a significant challenge, with an estimated 30-40 percent of the food supply going to waste. This staggering figure translates to approximately 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food in 2010 alone, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. Beyond the economic implications, wasted food is the largest component of municipal landfills, contributing to environmental concerns and representing a missed opportunity to nourish families in need. Recognizing the multifaceted impact of this issue, the Trump Administration has launched the Winning on Reducing Food Waste initiative, a collaborative effort designed to tackle food waste through coordinated federal action and public-private partnerships.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, and FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. display the signed “Winning on Reducing Food Waste” joint agency agreement, signaling a unified federal approach to combatting food waste under the Trump administration.
On October 18, 2018, a landmark joint agency formal agreement was signed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This agreement, a cornerstone of the Winning on Reducing Food Waste initiative, signifies a commitment to enhanced coordination and communication among federal agencies. The primary goal is to educate Americans about the profound impacts of food loss and waste and to underscore the critical importance of reduction efforts across the nation. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, and FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., officially signed the agreement, demonstrating the high-level support and prioritization of this initiative within the Trump Administration.
Secretary Perdue emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “An unacceptable percentage of our food supply is lost or wasted.” He highlighted the growing global population and evolving food systems as key reasons for immediate action. Perdue underscored the importance of educating both consumers and businesses to drive meaningful change in food waste reduction. The partnership between USDA, EPA, and FDA, he noted, is a crucial step towards securing the future of food through proactive measures taken today.
EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the environmental and economic benefits of food recovery. “Redirecting excess food to people, animals, or energy production has tremendous economic and social benefits,” Wheeler stated, explaining why the Trump Administration is actively engaging with both businesses and consumers. The focus is on preventing food loss at its source and maximizing the inherent value of food resources, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., brought attention to the social dimension of food waste, particularly the issue of food insecurity. “Sadly, each day too many American families struggle to meet their nutritional needs,” Gottlieb noted. He emphasized the FDA’s role in reducing food waste as a way to bridge this nutritional gap. The FDA is committed to addressing obstacles in food donation and recovery programs, aiming to give unsold foods a second chance and support food producers in safely reconditioning products for donation or sale. This multifaceted approach aims to reduce waste while simultaneously addressing food insecurity in communities across the nation.
While acknowledging existing public-private partnerships like the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions initiative, which strives for a 50% reduction in food waste by 2030, the Trump Administration recognizes that more needs to be done. The Administration has lauded the 23 organizations and businesses, including recent additions like Kroger, Hilton, and MGM Resorts International, that have joined the 2030 Champions initiative. Reducing food waste presents significant economic opportunities and potential cost savings for both businesses and households. Consumer education remains a cornerstone of the Winning on Reducing Food Waste Initiative, recognizing that individual actions are crucial to achieving large-scale impact.
The announcement of this joint initiative took place at USDA headquarters and included a panel discussion focused on fostering change in U.S. food waste reduction. The panel, moderated by Barry Breen of the EPA, featured leaders from various sectors, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, DC Central Kitchen’s Campus Kitchens Project, and the University of Arkansas. This diverse group of stakeholders reflects the collaborative spirit necessary to tackle food waste effectively.
The USDA, EPA, and FDA are actively seeking feedback from stakeholders on how to enhance federal collaboration and engage partners across the entire supply chain. The ultimate aim is to achieve a lasting national impact on reducing food loss and waste. Further information on USDA’s food waste reduction efforts can be found on their Food Loss and Waste page, and details on joining the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions are available on the EPA’s website. This joint initiative underscores the Trump Administration’s commitment to addressing food waste through strategic partnerships, public education, and a unified federal approach, striving for a win-win situation for the economy, the environment, and society.
