Food waste and food insecurity are on the rise in the U.S., and the cost of meat is rising for consumers. Environmental concerns are also at the top of meat producers' minds. That's why it's so important to come up with a list of sustainability goals when it comes to meat production. While a great amount of food waste in the U.S. actually comes from homes and restaurants, about 18% of total food waste comes from the farms and food processors.
Additionally, food waste causes numerous environmental problems, including filling up landfills that go on to produce 11% of the world's greenhouse gases. Understanding where food waste comes from, how much food is produced and never consumed, and how food waste can be reduced can help mitigate environmental concerns, including food insecurity.