Dec 11, 2024

USDA grants support food waste reduction efforts nationwide

The USDA has announced $8 million in funding for 14 organizations through the SARE Community Foods Project Food Loss and Waste Training and Technical Assistance Grants Program. This initiative, led by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, aims to reduce food loss and waste by 50% by 2030.

The program supports projects focusing on the food supply chain, with priorities including diverting edible food to people, preventing waste and feeding animals. Selected recipients include organizations such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, FoodCycle in Los Angeles and Concrete Jungle in Atlanta.

“These grants empower communities to find sustainable ways to reduce food waste while addressing local food access challenges,” said Lisa Johnson, national sare food loss and waste grant manager.

Projects align with the National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste, prioritizing solutions like value-added production and community self-reliance in food needs. Efforts aim to improve quality of life for producers and consumers while fostering long-term sustainability.

For more information, visit sare.org.