40% of All Food Produced in USA is Wasted

Wasted Food Rots In Landfills & Creates Methane Gas Pollution

“When food is disposed in a landfill it rots and becomes a significant source of methane- a potent greenhouse gas with 21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Landfills are a major source of human-related methane in the United States, accounting for more than 20 percent of all methane emissions. 14 percent of greenhouse gases in the United States are associated with growing, manufacturing, transporting, and disposing of food.” Environmental Protection Agency

Source: EPA

Impact of producing food that goes from farm to landfill:

• 300 Million Barrels of Oil Wasted
• 25% of Fresh Water Wasted
• Wasted Food would Fill 91 Empire State Buildings
• $31,000,000 worth of food is wasted each year
• Food Is Largest Source of Landfill Waste by Weight
• Rotting Food Creates Methane Gas 25x more potent GHG than CO2

Food donation captures wasted economic value:

• Food banks pick up donated food in refrigerated trucks
• Businesses save disposal costs
• Gain potential tax benefits
• Comply with recycling ordinances
• Help their community & gain customer loyalty

“Best Before”, “Freshest By”, and “Sell By” Dates:

Source: USDA

These date suggests consuming that product before the date for optimal quality. Grocery stores take the product off the shelf by that date, but it doesn’t indicate that the product has spoiled.

Good Samaritan Food Donation Act

The Good Samaritan Food Donation Act is a Federal Law protecting donors from civil and criminal liability if the food product they give causes harm.  Any donor who gives food in good faith without the intention of causing harm is protected under the law.  Food producers, grocers, and farmers can donate food products without fear of liability. “Donate Don’t Dump” is easy to do, as numerous food banks will pick up your surplus food products at your company’s door with refrigerated trucks.

Source: EPA