Reducing Food Waste: The EPA's Feed It Onward Initiative

As the holiday season approaches, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emphasizes the importance of reducing food waste through its Feed It Onward initiative. This program aims to connect surplus food with individuals and organizations that can utilize it, thereby preventing nutritious food from ending up in landfills.

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In the United States, over one-third of all food produced is discarded annually. This staggering statistic highlights the need for effective strategies to repurpose surplus food. The EPA's initiative seeks to address this issue by showcasing successful local efforts that redirect food waste into meaningful use, benefiting families, farmers, and communities.

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The Feed It Onward initiative has seen significant involvement from various local organizations. For instance, during a visit to Kansas City, the EPA observed the work of Kanbe’s Markets, which facilitates the distribution of good-to-eat produce to underserved neighborhoods. Additionally, Pete’s Garden repackages surplus meals for families, while KC Can Compost enhances composting access. These collaborations have successfully diverted millions of pounds of food from landfills.

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The implications of reducing food waste extend beyond local communities. By redirecting surplus food, the initiative not only provides healthy meals to families but also supports local economies and environmental sustainability. The EPA's efforts have garnered international attention, with discussions at the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting indicating a desire from other countries to learn from the U.S. approach.

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Lee Zeldin, the 17th administrator of the EPA, articulated the initiative's goals, stating that "every community wants good food to reach families who can use it." He highlighted successful partnerships, such as those formed with Frey Farms, which redirected "imperfect" produce to military families, illustrating the tangible benefits of the Feed It Onward initiative.

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While the initiative has received positive feedback, challenges remain in effectively scaling these efforts across diverse environments. Critics point out that while large venues like Talladega Superspeedway and the Kia Center have made strides in reducing food waste, replicating these models in smaller communities may require additional resources and support.

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• “Good food should not be discarded in landfills when it can serve a meaningful purpose.” — Lee Zeldin, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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• “ Rather than end up in a landfill, truckloads of fresh watermelons, corn, and pumpkins went straight to military families.” — Lee Zeldin, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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• “Even in fast-paced and high-volume environments, effective planning can turn surplus food into valuable resources for the community.” — Lee Zeldin, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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Looking ahead, the EPA plans to leverage upcoming events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games to showcase the progress made in reducing food waste. These high-profile occasions present an opportunity to highlight the partnerships and initiatives that are driving change across the nation.

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