Top 7 Reasons to Attend the 2026 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit (And One Bonus Reason…)

In just over a month, we will be convening in Charlotte for a meeting of the minds to discuss how we continue the momentum and progress we’re seeing to reduce food waste.

If you haven’t gotten your 2026 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit ticket yet, here are seven reasons why you should do it today:

1. Get Equipped with Actionable Insights from Mainstage and Breakout Sessions

In her comments on the release of our 2026 U.S. Food Waste Report, ReFED President Dana Gunders said, “This is an opportune moment to focus on wasting less food…The wind is at our backs, and it’s time to step on the gas.” And that is exactly what the ReFED Summit is designed to do—equip you with the insights to take action and drive progress on food waste in your organization and sphere of influence. Mainstage and breakout sessions will focus on a wide range of topics, from deep dives into challenges around packaging and depackaging, reporting requirements and measurement needs, low-waste events, state and local policy success stories, and artificial intelligence. See our session schedule.

2. Learn From and Be Inspired by Subject Matter Experts

The ReFED Summit is your opportunity to gather with and learn from subject matter experts from across the country (and the world). The lineup of speakers, panelists, and moderators is extensive, providing you with direct access to the latest and greatest thinking and real-world applications for solving food waste. One of the most unique experiences you’ll only get at the ReFED Summit? A “kitchen table” discussion featuring Michiel Bakker, Emily Broad Leib, Michel Nischan, and Kim Severson that will explore the new landscape of food in the country as a result of larger policy and cultural developments we’ve seen. Think SNAP cuts, MAHA, GLP-1s, tariffs, and more.

Also, we’ll have a culinary demo and book signing with Andrew Zimmern, as well as hearing from companies like ThermoKing and Compass about how they utilize AI in their operations to support food waste reduction.

3. Network With Your Peers and Key Players in the Food Waste Ecosystem

Networking with peers, mentors, thought leaders, and friends is a key reason that we bring the food community together at our annual event. This year, in addition to dedicated time throughout the schedule reserved for informal discussions, we have some uniquely crafted networking opportunities that you don’t want to miss:

• Volunteer at The Bulb: Turn inspiration into action while you’re in Charlotte for the ReFED Summit. We’re partnering with The Bulb—a nonprofit mobile farmers market—throughout the Summit to offer hands-on volunteer opportunities for those interested in directly reducing food waste and advancing food equity throughout the Charlotte region. You’ll help ensure that fresh, nutritious produce reaches underserved neighborhoods, while surplus food is rescued and put to good use.

• Food Waste Action Network (FWAN) “Offers and Needs” Market Session: In partnership with the Post-Growth Institute, ReFED’s Food Waste Action Network is hosting an in-person Offers and Needs Market at this year’s ReFED Summit. This two-hour, guided session will help attendees to identify and exchange passions, knowledge, skills, resources, opportunities, and needs related to their professional journeys in food waste.

• Wildcard Speed Mentoring Session: Want to learn from sustainability and food waste veterans who’ve shaped the movement and weathered its ups and downs? Join our fast-paced, round-robin mentoring session to connect directly with seasoned leaders. Ask anything, gain actionable insights, and leave with fresh ideas and connections to accelerate your career and impact.

4. See Solutions in Action on a Field Trip

What better way to kick off the conference than visiting organizations that are driving some of the solutions that will be highlighted at the Summit?! Among the favorite activities of past Summit attendees, field trips are scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. These include visits to Town Brewery to explore their innovations with recycling water; Deep Roots CPS Farm, a first-generation black urban farm using regenerative practices; Freshlist Food Hub, which uses a harvest-to-order model that minimizes waste; and Levy at Bank of America Stadium, a back-of-house tour of the home of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC. These trips always sell out, so sign up for one today!

5. Get a Peek at the Latest Solutions from Exhibitors

In between sessions, you’ll have an opportunity to come face-to-face with exhibitors who are addressing food loss and waste with fresh approaches and strategies. This is your opportunity to explore solutions and get a peek at opportunities for partnership and collaboration. From innovative technologies to high-impact initiatives, this year’s exhibitors are sure to get you thinking and talking about what’s possible.

6. Get a Pulse on the State of Funding and Philanthropy in the Food Waste Sector

We know that one of the key levers to accelerate action on food loss and waste is funding. This year, we’re presenting some exciting funder-specific programming, including:

• A funder idea-exchange: An invite-only breakfast bringing together food waste funders for presentations on promising funding opportunities, peer learning, and exploration of potential collaborations.

• Curated funder and solution provider meetings: Pre-arranged, high-quality meetings connecting funders with carefully matched food waste solution providers aligned to their funding priorities.

In addition, we’ll be announcing the next cohort of grantees for the ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund (CGF). There will also be additional CGF-focused activities, including an interactive working session focused on the future strategy of the CGF, as well as an informal happy hour.

7. Immerse Yourself in the Food and Culture Scene of the “Queen City”

Get ready to explore sustainable solutions while taking in the vibrant culture, rich history, and dynamic energy of the "Queen City" of the South. With its commitment to sustainability, tapestry of neighborhoods, and a rich ecosystem of native foods, we're excited to welcome you to Charlotte for our "you don't want to miss it" gathering of thought leaders and innovators driving change across the food system.

BONUS: Be part of the celebration of ReFED’s Tenth Anniversary

2026 marks ten years since the release of ReFED’s original Roadmap, and we will be taking advantage of our time together to celebrate! This includes a special welcome reception, as well as a 10-Year Anniversary Lookback and Look Forward Panel featuring original architects of the Roadmap, including Sarah Vared, Dana Gunders, Denise Osterhues, Nora Goldstein, and Andrew Shakman.