Food matters: What food we waste and how we can expand the amount of food we rescue

This brief from the US Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) brings together learnings from two studies they conducted with support from the Rockefeller Foundation. Estimating Quantities and Types of Food Waste at the City Level provides baseline data on the amounts, sources, and types of food going to waste in three US cities (Denver, Nashville and New York). Modeling the Potential to Increase Food Rescue shows opportunities for redirecting additional surplus foods to those in need at the city level. The brief calls for public private engagement to catalyse action - and provides data, case studies and inspiring models for city and county governments, business leaders, non profit organisations, donors and citizens to make positive change. Though based on US cases, there are lessons here for anyone looking to reduce food waste while also increasing food availability for vulnerable populations.