New Bill Targets 50% Food Waste Cut by 2030, Creates USDA Office and Funds Local Efforts

This legislation, the "NO TIME TO Waste Act," sets a national goal to slash food loss and waste by 50% by the year 2030, using 2016 levels as a baseline. To spearhead this effort, the bill establishes a dedicated Office of Food Loss and Waste within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This office will coordinate federal activities, support research into waste reduction technologies, track progress towards the 2030 goal, and manage new grant programs, with funding authorized primarily for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

Setting Up Shop: The New Food Waste HQ

The new USDA Office of Food Loss and Waste (Sec 3) becomes the central hub for tackling this issue. Its job description is broad: figure out how to measure and cut down on food that never makes it off the farm or spoils along the supply chain (defined as food loss), as well as food discarded by stores or consumers (food waste). The office will quantify how reducing waste impacts greenhouse gas emissions, run educational campaigns, and develop resources for everyone from big organizations to individuals. It's also tasked with assessing how food waste connects to bigger issues like climate change and food security. A key function will be analyzing data from grant-funded pilot programs to create model waste-reduction policies that local, state, and tribal governments can adopt. Initial funding for the office is set at $1.5 million per year from FY2026-2030.

Boots on the Ground: Funding Local Action

A major part of the bill involves funneling money to state, local, and tribal governments, along with non-profits and public-private partnerships, through several grant programs. One program (Sec 3) provides $2 million annually (FY2026-2030) for projects up to 3 years long to collect solid data on how well existing local food waste policies actually work, requiring a 10% match from recipients. Another $2 million per year (FY2026-2030) goes to states and tribes via block grants (Sec 4b) specifically for food recovery infrastructure. Think tangible things: helping food banks buy refrigerators or refrigerated trucks, improving processing capabilities, or even supporting salaries for staff coordinating food recovery. The bill also establishes regional USDA coordinators (Sec 4a) funded with $1 million total, tasked with connecting food producers and distributors with organizations that can rescue surplus food in real-time. Additionally, $2 million per year (FY2026-2030) is authorized for grants (Sec 7) encouraging governments to team up with private businesses (like grocery stores or restaurants) on waste reduction plans, requiring a 50% match.

Getting Everyone on the Same Page

The act emphasizes collaboration (Sec 5). It requires the USDA, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to work closely together, building on a 2020 agreement, and report annually to Congress on their joint progress. Other federal agencies, from Defense to Transportation, are also looped in. Crucially, the bill mandates consultation with the private sector – farmers, food companies, non-profits, and food recovery groups – ensuring input from those directly involved, including smaller players in communities hit hardest by food insecurity. Federal contractors providing food services will also be required under updated regulations (amending the Federal Food Donation Act of 2008) to prevent waste and donate excess wholesome food. Existing USDA research grant programs related to agriculture and animal systems will also prioritize projects tackling food loss and waste.

Changing Habits: Education and Composting

Recognizing that consumer behavior is a big piece of the puzzle, the bill authorizes $2 million annually (FY2026-2030) for a national education and awareness campaign (Sec 8). Run by the new Office and the existing USDA Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison, this campaign aims to teach practical skills like better food storage, understanding date labels ("Best If Used By" vs. safety), and composting. It will use research to target specific groups effectively, employing community engagement and national messaging. Pilot projects will test approaches in diverse communities, measuring impact through waste audits. The bill also expands eligibility for an existing USDA pilot program focused on composting and food waste reduction (Sec 6), allowing state and tribal governments to apply alongside local governments and providing clearer guidance for applicants, especially those focused on non-composting reduction methods.