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ReFED is working across the food system to cut food loss and waste.

With our deep sector knowledge, convening power, and full view of the supply chain, we're advancing solutions that generate large-scale impact.

Learn About Food Waste

Here's How You Can Take Action

Food waste is a systemwide problem, so solving it will require systemwide action. That’s why we operate with a “big tent” mindset. No matter how you’re connected to the food system, there’s a lot that you can do right now to bring about change—and we’re here to help.

Food Waste By The Numbers

38% of all food in the U.S. goes unsold or uneaten—and most of that ends up as waste.

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As part of the TED Countdown Dilemma Series, ReFED President Dana Gunders spoke about food waste and its solutions.

That's equivalent to:
  • That could have gone to the food insecure icon
    145 Billion Meals That could have gone to the food insecure
  • Approximately 1.8% of U.S. GDP icon
    $473 Billion Approximately 1.8% of U.S. GDP
  • From passenger vehicles in the U.S. icon
    88% of Annual Emissions From passenger vehicles in the U.S.
  • Resulting in 59% of landfill methane icon
    24% of Landfill Volume Resulting in 59% of landfill methane
HOW REFED is transforming the food system

ReFED is a U.S.-based nonprofit that leverages a holistic view of the food system to collaborate with key audiences and drive coordinated action. Recognized as a leading voice for change, we accomplish our work by:

Leveraging Data & Insights

Tackling food waste requires a deep understanding of the problem, yet reliable information is scarce and fragmented. ReFED is a definitive source for data and economic analysis on food waste and the solutions to fight it, with a trusted history of producing insights and tools that support action.

Catalyzing Capital & Innovation

Food waste solutions offer environmental, social, and economic returns. ReFED is driving this impact by empowering innovators and shepherding the capital needed for scale, with a suite of best-in-class resources specifically designed for funders and solution providers.

Mobilizing Businesses

The businesses that grow, sell, and serve our food play a critical role in cutting waste—and in supporting the efforts of their customers to do the same. ReFED's Business Services team provides the know-how to guide businesses toward sustainable, high-impact solutions, turning ambitious goals into tangible results.

Cultivating Community

Food waste occurs up and down the supply chain, making cross-sector collaboration and coordination essential. ReFED connects stakeholders from across the food system through partnerships, affinity networks, events—including our annual Food Waste Solutions Summit—and more.


Featured In

Explore Our Resources Library

Featured Resource

ReFED Insights Engine

The Insights Engine is an online hub for data and insights about food waste, featuring a detailed cost-benefit analysis of more than 40 solutions; facts and figures about the extent, causes, and impacts of food waste built from dozens of public and proprietary datasets; a directory of organizations ready to partner on food waste reduction initiatives—from waste prevention to food recovery and food waste recycling—and more. With more granular data, more extensive analyses, more customized views, and the most up-to-date information, the Insights Engine has been designed from the ground up to provide anyone interested in food waste reduction with the information they need to take meaningful action.

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See additional reports, fact sheets, action guides, and more in our Resources Library.

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