Food Waste Becoming A Major Concern Of Americans

Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about the amount of food they waste, either in the home or at grocery stores, because they are also aware of the environmental impact of food production. Data from 2010 released by the USDA and EPA indicate that 31 percent (60 million tons) of the food in grocery stores was never eaten. About two-thirds occurred in the home, the rest in stores. A UN agency says that ratio reflects the global situation as well. Last September, the USDA and EPA jointly announced the first food waste reduction goal: 50 percent by 2030. At the grassroots level, restaurants and consumers are already taking action: “freeganism” (eating discarded grocery store foods); the “ugly food movement” (accepting less-than-aesthetic produce); and the “root-to-stem” movement (consuming all parts of a vegetable).