ReFED is excited to announce that we have been awarded a transformative grant from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation to further improve our understanding of how data and technology can be leveraged to reduce food waste at scale. As a global, 21st century philanthropy, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation believes in the power of AI and data solutions to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all, and their support of ReFED shows that food waste reduction is critical to achieving that goal.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation for generously supporting ReFED’s work to reduce food waste,” said Dana Gunders, ReFED’s Executive Director. “We know that data and measurement serve as the foundation for any food waste reduction initiative, helping businesses and others know where to focus their resources and understand what their impact will be. Our current and emerging technology assets are filling a critical information gap, and this grant will make even more innovation possible.”
“ReFED's leadership in their mission to end loss and waste throughout the food system underscores the critical need for civil society and technologists to come together to support better decision-making across the business landscape,” said Vilas Dhar, President and Trustee of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. “Funders and climate advocates can play an essential role in the dynamic, multisectoral partnerships exemplified by ReFED to leverage data and to provide the resources that businesses need to reduce food waste – and we're delighted to be a partner in this work.”
Food waste is a systemwide problem, and solving it will require action from across the food supply chain. ReFED’s Data & Insights team will use the funding from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation grant to explore novel ways that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can be used by food businesses and other stakeholders to accelerate their food waste reduction initiatives. The funding will also allow us to model out the impacts of new food waste innovations and solutions, building out robust data pipelines to inform and advance the efforts of the entire food system.
As a registered 501(c)(3), ReFED relies on the generosity of partners like the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation to sustain our work in creating a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that makes the best use of the food that is produced. To make your own contribution, please visit our Donation page. To discuss a major gift, please reach out to Shawn Shepherd at [email protected].