USDA would get new office and mandate to halve food waste by 2030

What does this do?

HR 2883 directs the USDA to establish an Office of Food Loss and Waste to research food waste levels, study prevention technologies, and share findings with the public and Congress. Regional coordinators would connect farmers, food companies, and food banks to redirect surplus food. Grants would fund improved storage and refrigerated transportation for state, local, and tribal governments.

Who does it affect?

Federal contractors, food businesses, schools, hospitals, faith organizations, and local governments would face new requirements or receive educational materials. People in food-insecure communities are identified as a priority audience for the required national education campaign.

Why does it matter?

Federal contractors who currently are only encouraged to donate leftover food would be legally required to do so and report on their waste reduction efforts. Agencies would report those results to Congress every two years, creating an ongoing public accountability record through 2030.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• ~$3.5M per year for the new office
• Grants for state, local, and tribal govts
• Awareness campaign funded through 2030