Rutgers Cooperative Extension tackles food waste with new community initiatives

The New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding food waste and its environmental impact. The meeting highlighted the urgent need to address food waste as a significant contributor to climate change and economic loss.

Dr. Sarah Elnakib, an associate professor at Rutgers Cooperative Extension, presented compelling statistics on food waste in the United States, revealing that 30 to 40% of food produced is wasted, equating to approximately 80 billion pounds annually. This staggering figure translates to about 20 pounds of food wasted per person each month, which not only affects household budgets but also has severe environmental consequences. Food waste in landfills generates methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide.

Dr. Elnakib emphasized that the majority of food waste occurs at the consumer level, with nearly half of surplus food coming from uneaten groceries and leftovers in restaurants. This waste represents a potential economic loss of over $226 billion, which could be redirected to support local economies and alleviate food insecurity. With 1 in 10 Americans facing hunger, the disconnect between food waste and food insecurity presents a pressing challenge.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension has been actively addressing food waste since 2017, conducting audits and collaborating with schools, health inspectors, and food rescue organizations across New Jersey. The initiative aims to promote awareness and develop strategies to reduce food waste, thereby benefiting both the environment and community health.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the importance of legislative support in tackling food waste and encouraged community members to share ideas with lawmakers. The committee's focus on this issue reflects a growing recognition of the need for sustainable practices to combat climate change and improve food equity in New Jersey.