A study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Center for a Livable Future analyzes the nutritional composition of wasted food in the United States. The study shines a light on the link between the millions of Americans who are food insecure and the massive quantity of wasted food that could help alleviate the problem.

Researchers found that the most nutrient-dense foods, like fruits and vegetables, are also the most commonly wasted. The research team found that the food wasted in the United States is equivalent to “1,217 calories, 33 grams of protein, 5.9 grams of dietary fiber, 1.7 micrograms of vitamin D, 286 milligrams calcium and 880 milligrams potassium per person, per day.” Based on these findings, meeting the USDA and EPA goal to cut food waste in half by 2030 would go a long way, if distributed effectively, to alleviate food insecurity.

The study adds fuel to a growing movement to cut the amount of food wasted in the United States and beyond. It also serves as a compelling impetus for businesses and institutions to start a food donation program so that surplus food goes to feed hungry people instead of landfills.

RecyclingWorks assists businesses and institutions with recycling and food waste reduction through composting and food donation. To speak to a recycling expert, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.