Understanding Consumer Food Waste in the U.S. and Strategies to Reduce It

Explainers

Understanding Consumer Food Waste in the U.S. and Strategies to Reduce It

ReFED | July 24, 2025

In the United States, consumers are the largest generators of food waste. Combining uneaten groceries and restaurant plate waste, consumer food waste accounts for nearly 50% of surplus food at a cost of $261 billion. The consequences of this waste on our climate and our wallets are enormous. And while organizations and governments can help mitigate this by reshaping consumer environments to make it easier, more convenient, and more affordable to not waste food, much of this waste comes down to problematic—yet very common—consumer behaviors.

Download