FMI Is 1st Trade Org to Join U.S. Food Waste Pact

According to ReFED, 31% of food produced in the United States goes uneaten or unsold, with the vast majority becoming waste that ends up in landfills, incinerators and sewer systems.

FMI – The Food Industry Association has become the first trade organization to join the U.S. Food Waste Pact, a national voluntary agreement focused on reducing food waste in the United States, co-led by nonprofits ReFED and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). FMI joins 20 other companies and organizations that have already signed onto the pact, which employs the “Target, Measure, Act” framework to promote collaboration and lower food waste across the food system. 

According to ReFED, 31% of food produced in the United States goes uneaten or unsold, with the vast majority becoming waste that ends up in landfills, incinerators and sewer systems. This extra food — 73.9 million tons annually — is equivalent to 120 billion meals, and it’s valued at $382 billion, giving food businesses a unique opportunity to boost their bottom lines while also helping their local communities.

“FMI has a long history of working to address food waste,” noted Andy Harig, VP of tax, trade, sustainability and policy development at Arlington, Va.-based FMI. “Highlighting the importance of food waste reduction has been a priority for us for over a decade, and we’re pleased to continue that journey by joining the U.S. Food Waste Pact. This will give us an opportunity to collaborate directly with food businesses across the industry and share best practices from our wider lens as an industry association.”

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