Last Call to Register for the Second USDA Food Loss and Waste Innovation Fair – Wednesday, September 14

On September 14, 2022 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT), USDA will host the Second USDA virtual Food Loss and Waste Innovation Fair. This free, virtual fair will highlight businesses that are creating or implementing state-of-the-art technical solutions to reduce food loss and waste throughout the food system – from farm to table – and highlight USDA activities in this space. This year’s fair will include over three dozen exhibitors, presentations, and a networking lounge. The booth holders are U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions; USDA agencies sharing their work on food loss and waste (in areas such as research, funding, measurement, outreach); or USDA-funded organizations that are developing or marketing food loss and waste reducing technologies. Presentations will feature government and industry food loss and waste experts and will provide information on funding opportunities.

The USDA Food Loss and Waste Innovation Fair is perfect for businesses, nonprofits, researchers, state and local officials, food loss and waste novices and enthusiasts. This event is free and open to all. Register here today or go to https://www.labroots.com/ms/virtual-event/2nd-usda-food-loss-waste-innovation-fair.

Upcoming Virtual Roundtables on Global Food Loss and Waste Reduction Efforts

On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 10 - 11:30 a.m. EDT, USDA hosts the virtual roundtable Food Loss and Waste Activities from Around the World. Speakers from Denmark, South Korea, Rwanda, and the U.S. will share their efforts with national and municipal level governments to reduce food waste and increase food recycling. Register today

On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 11 – 12:30 p.m. EDT. USDA and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ North America Liaison Office will co-host Food Loss and Waste Successes from the U.S. and Canada. At this virtual roundtable, speakers will share their experiences of increasing sustainable food management in Baltimore, Orlando, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Guelph, Ontario. Register today

New Resource from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

In June 2022, the APEC Agricultural Technical Cooperation Working Group released a new resource for member economies on reducing food waste and enhancing resource efficiency in the food chain. The Sustainable Materials Management of Food in the APEC Region: A Review of Public Policies That Support Reducing Food Loss and Waste provides resources governments can use to promote reduction of food loss and waste as well as best practices for development of policy and implementation in this area. Read the guide.

Model Policy on Food Waste Reporting for Local Municipalities

Last July, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Environmental Law Institute (ELI) released a model ordinance that can help local officials in their efforts to reduce food waste. Many municipalities do not have reliable data on the amount of food wasted. This model policy could be adapted by municipalities to require businesses, universities and other large organizations to report the amount of wasted food they generate. This model ordinance is part of a series of model policies developed by the NRDC and ELI. Visit www.nrdc.org/about for more information.

Launch of the Updated Food Loss and Waste Value Chain Selection Guide

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will host a webinar on September 22, 2022, at 10 a.m. EDT, on the virtual launch of the Updated Food Loss and Waste Value Chain Selection Guide. The guide offers guidance on how to integrate food loss and waste reduction into agricultural value chain management. The webinar will feature Agribusiness Associates Inc. (ABA) sharing their experience piloting the guide for two weeks with the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya and the Costa Rican Government’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Caribbean Region. Register today.

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

September 29, 2022 will mark the third observance of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW). The IDAFLW, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is a call to action for public and private entities from across the food system to work together to cut food loss and waste. Join the virtual observance of IDAFLW on September 29 at 3 p.m. EDT to learn how to take action. Register Today.

Funding Opportunities

USDA Invests $4.8 Million in Community Food Projects

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently announced funding for FY 2023 Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program. These grants supports work across the food system to increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for their food needs; and promotes comprehensive responses to local food access, farm and nutrition issues, including strategies to reduce food waste and other agricultural needs that mutually benefit agricultural producers and consumers. Public food program service providers, tribal organizations, or private nonprofit entities, including gleaners are eligible. The closing date is Friday, October 7, 2022. For eligibility information and to apply visit Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program.

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