Food Waste Across the Supply Chain: A U.S. Perspective on a Global Problem

CAST papers are the foundation of CAST’s science communication work. Developed by expert-led task forces, these peer-reviewed publications translate agricultural science into trusted insights that inform policy, guide public understanding, and fuel CAST programs, dialogues, and educational initiatives.

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March 7, 2016
Special Publication

DOI: 10.62300/n4fbpp09

Task Force Chairs

Zhengxia Dou

Professor of Animal Systems, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, organizer of The Last Food Mile Conference, and editor- in-chief of this volume

James D. Ferguson

Professor of Nutrition, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and an editor of this volume

David Galligan

Professor of Animal Health Economics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and an editor of this volume

Alan M. Kelly

Professor Emeritus of Pathobiology and Dean Emeritus, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and an editor of this volume

Steven M. Finn

Managing Director of ResponsEcology, author of the blog Food for Thoughtful Action, and an editor of this volume

Robert Giegengack

Professor Emeritus of Earth and Environmental Science, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, and an editor of this volume

Authors

Jonathan Bloom

Journalist and food waste expert, author of “American Wasteland” and moderator of the blog Wasted Food

Jean C. Buzby

Chief of the Diet, Safety, and Health Economics Branch, Food Economics Division, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Alexandra Cirone

Student, Health and Societies Major, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania

Nicole M. Civita

Visiting Assistant Professor of Law, University of Arkansas, and Director of the Food Recovery Project

Elena Crouch

Student, Biology Major, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania

Barbara Ekwall

Senior Liaison Officer, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Office for North America

Nora Goldstein

Editor of the journal Biocycle: Composting, Renewable Energy, Sustainability

Elise Golan

Director of Sustainable Development, Office of the Chief Economist, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Ethen Grant

Student in the Philadelphia School District

Karen Hanner

Managing Director of Manufacturing Product Sourcing, Feeding America

Brittany Hartmire

Student, Health and Societies Major, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania

Jane Kauer

Lecturer in Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania

Christine Kim

Graduate, University of Pennsylvania Class of 2015, Health and Societies Major

Gomian Konneh

Student, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania

David Masser

President of Sterman Masser Inc., a Central Pennsylvania potato farm in the family for over 200 years

Emily M. Moscato

Assistant Professor of Food Marketing, Haub School of Business, St. Joseph’s University

Roni A. Neff

Assistant Professor of Environmental Health Sciences and Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Director of the Food System Sustainability and Public Health program, Johns Hopkins University

Leah Oppenheimer

AmpleHarvest.org

Thomas O’Donnell

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3 NAHE, Philadelphia

Jibreel Powers

Student in the Philadelphia School District

Andrew Shakman

Co-Founder and President/CEO, LeanPath

Yasmin Siddiqi

Global Marketing Manager, DuPont Packaging

Jarrell Smith

Master of Urban Planning Candidate, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Florida

Cathy Snyder

Founder and Executive Director, Rolling Harvest Food Rescue

Marie L. Spiker

Graduate Student, Center for a Livable Future, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University

Brian Spooner

Professor of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania

Dave Stangis

Vice President, Public Affairs and Corporate Responsibility, Campbell Soup Company

John L. Stanton

Professor of Food Marketing, Haub School of Business, St. Joseph’s University

Jarrett Stein

Director of ABCS Partnerships and Student Engagement, Netter Center for Community Partnerships, University of Pennsylvania

Kathleen Sullivan-Sealey

Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Florida

John D. Toth

Research Specialist, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Patricia L. Truant

Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University

Steven M. Waldmann

Executive Director, Society of St. Andrew

Hodan F. Wells

Economist, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Jessica Zha

Graduate Student, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Abstract

This edited volume examines the scale, causes, and consequences of food loss and waste across the U.S. supply chain, and presents strategies and case studies for reduction, recovery, and recycling. Contributions cover global trends and environmental footprints, consumer behavior, industry practices, food rescue and composting, animal feed pathways, and policy and legal frameworks—concluding with recommendations to support the national goal of a 50% reduction in food waste by 2030.

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