Value of Food Loss in the US
We’ve all heard the staggering figures about food waste in the US: 40% of all food produced is wasted and it’s the largest single component filling up landfills. But what is the monetary value of all of that food being trashed?
Until now, the figures and data available has been limited. But a newly published study from the USDA/Economic Research Service provides insight. The study, Total and per capita value of food loss in the United States, reveals that total food loss at the retail and consumer levels in the US was estimated at $165.6 billion in 2008. Per capita loss at the consumer level was $390/year or $1.07/day. The value of food loss was highest for meat, poultry and fish; vegetables; and dairy.
This number will continue to rise unless food waste prevention becomes a priority at home and in restaurants and other foodservice operations. The path to food waste prevention starts with tracking and awareness. Learn more at www.leanpath.com.
