DYK Produce Is the Most Wasted Food in the U.S.? What’s Happening Now To Help

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has become the latest trade association to join the U.S. Food Waste Pact (Pact), a joint initiative led by ReFED and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to reduce food waste across the food system. IFPA joins 28 other food businesses and organizations signing onto the Pact’s voluntary agreement, which utilizes the “Target, Measure, Act” framework to facilitate industry collaboration and action to reduce food waste across the food system.

According to ReFED, 29% of food produced in the U.S. goes uneaten or unsold, with the vast majority becoming waste that gets sent to destinations like landfills, incinerators, and sewer systems. Produce is the food type that is most wasted, at more than 32 million tons each year. That’s equivalent to more than 52 billion meals and valued at almost $70 billion — giving produce businesses a huge opportunity to help their bottom lines and make sure more product ends up on people’s plates.

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“Reducing food waste is one of the many issues we’re addressing in both our sustainability and supply chain member communities,” says Tamara Muruetagoiena, VP of sustainability at IFPA. “Joining the U.S. Food Waste Pact and collaborating with the other Pact signatories will ensure the voice of fresh produce is heard as we work together to address this critical issue.”

IFPA is the 29th business to join the U.S. Food Waste Pact.

For more information, visit usfoodwastepact.org.