Starbucks Coffee Company has officially joined the U.S. Food Waste Pact, becoming the second Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) to sign up for this important initiative focused on reducing food waste in America. The Pact encourages cooperation and data sharing among food businesses, aiming to tackle the significant issue of food waste in the nation.
It’s estimated that about 38% of food produced in the U.S. ends up uneaten or unsold, contributing to environmental problems. This waste leads to around 5.2% of America’s greenhouse gas emissions, including methane—a potent greenhouse gas. In total, over 90 million tons of food wasted each year translates to about 149 billion meals and costs around $495 billion.
Starbucks isn’t new to the effort of minimizing food waste. Through its FoodShare program, the company has donated over 63 million meals and diverted more than 75 million pounds of food from landfills since 2016. This program operates in all company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada and supports food banks to distribute food sustainably and equitably.
Kelly Goodejohn, Starbucks’ chief social impact officer, emphasizes the company’s commitment to giving back. By joining the U.S. Food Waste Pact, Starbucks hopes to strengthen its food waste reduction efforts in collaboration with others in the industry, aiming for a 50% reduction in U.S. operations by 2030. This goal aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which seeks to halve global food waste at the retail and consumer levels.
Jackie Suggitt from ReFED noted that Starbucks’ participation is a meaningful step for the QSR industry. Their leadership in food donation and waste reduction sets a positive example for other businesses to follow. Food waste affects the entire supply chain, and working together can amplify efforts to reduce it across the board.
The U.S. Food Waste Pact includes a range of notable participants, not just Starbucks. Other signatories include Ahold Delhaize USA, ALDI US, Amazon Fresh, and many more, all committed to cutting down waste in the food system.
The Pact operates under a simple framework: “Target, Measure, Act.” This means that businesses commit to tracking their food waste and sharing insights to improve practices and develop effective solutions together. Created by nonprofits ReFED and the World Wildlife Fund, the Pact is a substantial step toward reducing food waste in the U.S.
By participating in initiatives like the U.S. Food Waste Pact, companies can not only contribute to a healthier environment but also promote a more sustainable food system for future generations. In reducing food waste, we can help ensure that everyone has enough to eat while also protecting our planet.
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Source linkfood waste, U.S. Food Waste Pact, Starbucks, World Wildlife Fund, Sustainability
