Rutgers Cooperative Extension tackles food waste with policy and education initiatives

Food waste emerged as a critical topic during the New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee meeting on April 23, 2025, highlighting its significant economic and environmental implications. Experts from Rutgers Cooperative Extension presented alarming statistics, revealing that 30 to 40% of food produced in the United States is wasted, equating to approximately 80 billion pounds annually. This staggering figure not only represents a loss of resources but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, with food waste being the third largest emitter globally.

The discussion underscored the dual challenge of food waste and food insecurity, noting that one in ten Americans faces hunger while millions of pounds of nutritious food are discarded. The Cooperative Extension team has been actively addressing this issue since 2017, implementing food waste audits and educational programs across New Jersey. Their efforts have been supported by various grants and aim to divert food from landfills while promoting safe food donation practices.

Key recommendations were proposed to strengthen food donation policies and enhance composting efforts within school districts. The team emphasized the need for clear guidelines on food donation, inspired by successful models from other states. They also called for improved training for food service staff and the integration of food waste education into New Jersey's climate change curriculum.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to collaborate on innovative solutions to reduce food waste, emphasizing that tackling this issue could lead to substantial economic savings and environmental benefits. By fostering awareness and implementing strategic policies, New Jersey aims to build a more sustainable food system that addresses both waste and hunger.