Food insecurity and food waste are huge problems that often go unnoticed in our society. Food insecurity means that people can’t get enough quality food, while food waste is all the good food that gets thrown away at different stages, from farms to grocery stores to our homes. These two issues are connected, and by tackling them together, we can help create a better food system.
Every year, around $1 trillion worth of food is wasted globally, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In the U.S., about 30% to 40% of the total food supply is wasted. This waste happens for many reasons. For instance, food can spoil during processing, transporting, or even at retail due to equipment failures or overordering. Additionally, many retailers and farmers toss out food that looks imperfect, even if it’s still edible.
Often, we as consumers add to this problem by buying more food than we use. We might buy fresh fruits and veggies that end up rotting in the fridge or forget about canned goods hiding in the back of the pantry. This food waste doesn’t just hurt those in need—it also contributes to climate change. When food rots in landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Furthermore, wasted food means wasted resources like water and energy, equating to significant carbon emissions.
Food insecurity is a pressing issue in the U.S., affecting about 47 million people every year. Several factors contribute to this, like poverty, job loss, and housing cost, leading to problems such as malnutrition and obesity. As food prices rise, particularly with potential tariffs, food insecurity can worsen. Therefore, it’s crucial to address food waste as a way to help those who need it most.
As individuals, we can take steps to reduce waste. It starts with being mindful about how much food we buy. If we know we won’t eat something in time, we can donate it to local food banks. Apps like Too Good To Go help people buy leftover food from restaurants at lower prices, while Misfits Market delivers quirky-looking but perfectly good groceries right to our doors.
Organizations like Feeding America are doing their part to rescue food from landfills, but more needs to be done on a larger scale. Government initiatives could help farmers and retailers efficiently reroute extra food to nonprofits before it goes to waste.
On campus, we can also make a difference. Being mindful of our choices, like only taking what we can eat at dining halls or participating in food donations, can help. The Food Recovery Network offers volunteer opportunities to distribute leftover food to local soup kitchens, allowing students to directly impact the community.
The simplest action we can take is to talk about food waste and food insecurity with others. When we all share what we can do to help, we strengthen our communities and create a more sustainable future.
Lauren Wilner is a junior majoring in philosophy, politics, and law.
