New Bill Creates 'Gold Star' System for Food Waste Reduction: $3M Annually to Certify Farms, Grocers, and More

The Reduce Food Loss and Waste Act of 2025 sets up a voluntary certification program – think of it like a "gold star" for businesses and organizations that are actively working to cut down on food waste. Starting in 2026, the program, run by the Secretary of Agriculture, will certify entities like farms, grocery stores, restaurants, and even schools that meet specific criteria for reducing food waste and increasing donations.

Cutting Waste, Boosting Donations

The core of the bill focuses on two main goals: reducing the amount of food that ends up in landfills and increasing donations to food banks and other assistance programs. It also pushes for more sustainable disposal methods, like composting or using food scraps for animal feed or anaerobic digestion (turning waste into energy). The Secretary of Agriculture has 18 months to figure out the exact standards for certification, but it will involve documenting how much food is being donated and how waste is handled over a 12-month period (Section 2). This means places looking for certification will need to track their waste carefully.

Real-World Rollout

Imagine a local grocery store chain getting certified. They might implement new inventory systems to reduce spoilage, partner with a local food bank to donate unsold but still-good produce, and start sending food scraps to a composting facility instead of the trash. They could then use the certification as a marketing tool, attracting customers who care about sustainability. Or picture a university cafeteria reducing waste by composting and donating excess prepared food. They could get certified, showcasing their commitment to environmental responsibility (and maybe even saving money on waste disposal).

Cash and Coordination

To make this happen, the bill authorizes $3,000,000 each year from 2026 to 2030 (Section 2). This funding is meant to cover the costs of setting up and running the certification program. The bill also revises an existing agreement between the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make sure they're all on the same page when it comes to tackling food waste (Section 3). While the program is voluntary, the certification is designed to be a legit seal of approval, with third-party organizations (preferably universities with expertise in this area) handling the actual certification process.