Food Waste Facts
Global Impact
- Approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted globally each year.
- Food waste contributes to 8% of total global greenhouse gas emissions.
- One-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted.
Economic Cost
- The economic cost of food waste is estimated at $940 billion per year.
- In the US alone, food waste is estimated to cost $218 billion annually.
- Reducing food waste could save up to $300 billion annually by 2030.
Environmental Impact
- Food waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
- 25% of the world's freshwater supply is used to grow food that is never eaten.
- Food waste occupies almost 25% of all landfill space.
Social Impact
- Globally, 1 in 9 people are undernourished or starving.
- Reducing food waste by just 15% could feed more than 25 million Americans every year.
- Food waste reduction could be a key factor in fighting global hunger.