Food Loss and Waste

Supporting Food Waste Solutions for Businesses and Communities Through Education, Movement Building, Thought Leadership and Technical Assistance

Our programs and initiatives promote less-wasteful, money-saving practices among farms, manufacturers, retailers, food service and other business and institutional stakeholders in the food system. We’re unlocking economic and environmental value for local communities and industries, identifying reuse options, donation strategies, funding sources, and secondary markets while scaling landfill diversion and organic recycling solutions.

How to Save A Million Tons of Food and Food Scraps

Michigan disposes of 1.5 to 2 million tons of food waste through just its municipal and commercial waste streams each year, the single largest source of material disposed of in the state’s landfills and waste-to-energy facilities. Approximately one billion dollars of economic value is lost across just Michigan’s farms and food manufacturers due to unharvested crops, production inefficiencies, product shrinkage, and supply chain challenges. Michigan businesses waste enough to feed every food-insecure family in the state.

Join Our Community of Practice

The Forum is leading or supporting a rotating portfolio of initiatives and coalitions to advance food loss and waste prevention and organics recycling.  If you’re a business or community leader, let us know how we can support your goals.    

Find case studies, success stories, analysis, insights and explainers from across the Forum below.  Or visit us at our next event.  

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