While reducing food waste has been named a top priority by global leaders in the fight against climate change, the USDA currently has only one person designated to support national efforts. 

The good news is…that might be changing soon!

This month, a group of representatives introduced The New Opportunities for Technological Innovation, Mitigation, and Education To Overcome Waste Act (NO TIME TO Waste Act) in Congress to “increase administrative coordination, expand food loss and waste research and technology development, and scale support of state and local food loss and waste policy solutions.”

The act is groundbreaking for its comprehensive approach, bipartisan support, and focus on research and education, all of which make it a powerful tool in creating a sustainable and resilient food system. 

NO TIME TO Waste would establish an Office of Food Loss and Waste to support the role of the Food Loss and Waste Liaison. The goal would be to strengthen research, and quantify the impact of current food waste policies on greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it would increase research funding in order to stimulate innovation, and contribute to the development of new technologies related to food waste reduction and recovery.

What that looks like on the ground is more opportunities for those working in this space to make an impact.

By providing support to states for food recovery infrastructure and coordination efforts, the Act aims to recognize and amplify local solutions. This endorsement would hopefully lead to more effective food recovery systems at the community level, and encourage public-private partnerships committed to food loss and waste reduction.

Taking into account the environmental impact of food waste, the Act targets a 50 percent reduction in food loss and waste by 2030, helping to mitigate climate change and reduce the strain on natural resources associated with food production. To do so, it would strengthen coordination among federal agencies, including the USDA, EPA, and FDA in order to streamline policies, and align priorities.

All in all, it’s more than an act - it’s a movement. A drive to accelerate progress that’s already been made, coordinate efforts among a variety of stakeholders, and bring more attention to the cause.

And we are all about it!

Learn more here, and offer your support!

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