ReFED’s proposal to mandate food waste reduction within federal agencies was selected by The CLEEN Project as one of the top ideas for the Biden-Harris Administration and the 117th Congress to decarbonize our food systems while improving public health and creating jobs.
The CLEEN Project is the nation’s first searchable database designed specifically for federal leaders and focused on providing actionable ideas to combat climate change, create jobs, and advance climate justice.
Mandating incremental food waste reduction within Federal Agencies can directly help achieve the government’s goal of halving food waste by 2030 while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and increasing adoption of best practices and new technologies. In addition, reductions at agencies that purchase large amounts of food, such as the U.S. Department of Defense, will lead to significant cost savings and GHG reductions. To do this, Agencies should be required to:
- Measure and report food waste;
- Reduce food waste by 10% and/or require this of their vendors, from a 2021 baseline; and
- Donate all edible surplus food when possible.
The CLEEN Project was created through a collective of 300 contributors and 75 Advisory Board members from the private sector, federal and state government, environmental justice organizations, and leading climate think tanks.
We’re excited to see this proposal recognized among the hundreds of ideas that Congress and the Biden administration are considering to advance climate action. Food systems are responsible for approximately one third of global emissions. Therefore, changing how we grow and distribute our food, as well as what we eat, will be essential to meeting our climate goals.
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About The Clean Economy Employment Now ("CLEEN") Project
The CLEEN Project is the nation’s first co-operative idea database designed specifically for federal leaders and focused on providing actionable ideas to combat climate change, Build Back Better, and advance climate justice. The CLEEN Project was created through a collective of 300 contributors and 75 Advisory Board members from the private sector, federal and state government, environmental justice organizations, and leading climate-focused think tanks who share a desire to help catalyze job creation and a 21st century clean and just economy. Learn more at www.thecleenproject.org.
About ReFED
ReFED is a national nonprofit working to end food loss and waste across the U.S. food system. ReFED leverages data and insights to highlight supply chain inefficiencies and economic opportunities; mobilizes and connects supporters to take targeted action; and catalyzes capital to spur innovation and scale high-impact initiatives. ReFED's vision is a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that optimizes environmental resources, minimizes climate impacts, and makes the best use of the food we grow. Learn more at www.refed.org.