Did you know 38% of food in the U.S. went unsold or uneaten in 2023?

That’s 80 million tons wasted—while 1 in 7 Americans struggles with hunger. Food waste isn’t just a social issue; it’s an environmental one too. Wasted food means wasted water, energy, and resources, and it creates harmful greenhouse gases.

The EPA’s Wasted Food Scale, based on its 2023 report From Field to Bin, shows the best ways to reduce food waste. It ranks actions from most to least preferred: preventing waste is the top priority, followed by redistributing surplus food, and finally managing waste responsibly. In each tier, all options are equally important.

Here are 9 Ways You Can Help:

To dive deeper into the food waste issue, check out the award-winning documentary Just Eat It. The filmmakers take you on a journey through the wasteful practices of farms, retailers, and even their own fridge. Mixing humor with eye-opening revelations, the film challenges viewers to rethink their food habits. Featuring insights from activist Tristram Stuart and author Jonathan Bloom, it’s an inspiring call to view your fridge—and your role in reducing waste—in a whole new light.