Billions of Pounds Wasted. Millions Hungry.
The data is staggering — and the solutions already exist. Here is the full picture of America's retail food waste crisis and why our campaigns can change it.
Tons of food wasted in the US (2024)
Of total US food supply goes to waste
Thrown away by retail grocery stores yearly
Value of retail unsold surplus food
The Data Behind the Crisis
Source: ReFED 2024 Food Waste Report
Source: USDA Economic Research Service 2024
Higher score = stronger barrier to donation
Source: EPA Food Waste Data 2024
The Choice Every Retailer Faces
16 billion pounds of grocery store food landfilled yearly
Near-expired food generates methane — a potent greenhouse gas
Taxpayers fund landfill infrastructure for corporate waste
Zero benefit to the community or the brand
30% of grocery inventory goes unsold each year
Bill Emerson Act protects donors from liability — legally safe
Tax deductions available for donated food
Brand loyalty and PR benefit from visible community action
Millions of families fed with food already purchased
Measurable ESG impact for corporate sustainability reports
Chains That Are Already Doing It
These companies prove the model works. Our campaigns target the holdouts — the giants who have not yet stepped up.
Trader Joes
Donates 100% of unsold food to local food banks and community organizations.
Panera Bread
Operates "Day-End Dough-Nation" program donating baked goods nightly.
Giant Eagle
Partners with Feeding America to redirect surplus produce and dairy.
Hy-Vee
Partners with local food pantries for scheduled weekly donation pickups.