Food waste doesn't happen in one place, so it won't be solved by one solution

It happens on farms, in grocery stores, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and our own kitchens. It affects families, businesses, local governments, and the environment. That’s why we take a comprehensive approach — bringing together practical solutions that prevent food waste, feed people, strengthen communities, and build a more resilient food system.

Together, these efforts are helping Michigan lead the way toward cutting food waste in half by 2030.

Prevent Food Waste

Preventing food waste creates the greatest environmental, economic, and social impact. We help households, communities, schools, and businesses waste less through practical education, technical assistance, and regional campaigns that make better use of food simple and achievable.

From Every Bit Counts and community food waste reduction plans to household resources and regional education initiatives, we’re helping people save money while reducing waste before it starts.

Feed People

Not all food waste can be prevented, but much of it can still serve a meaningful purpose. We work with farms, distributors, grocery stores, food businesses, and community organizations to recover wholesome food and transform it into nutritious meals for our neighbors.

Through our Upcycling Kitchen and regional food recovery partnerships, we demonstrate that surplus food still has tremendous value.

Strengthen Communities

Cities and counties have the ability to influence how residents, businesses, schools, and public institutions think about food. We help local governments build practical food waste solutions through planning, technical assistance, resident engagement, and implementation support. By working together across Michigan, communities are learning from one another and accelerating progress toward a shared regional goal.

Transform Food Businesses

Reducing food waste is one of the smartest investments a food business can make. Restaurants, hospitals, schools, hotels, caterers, and other food service operations lose valuable resources when food goes unused. Through Plate to Planet and other technical assistance programs, we help organizations improve operations, reduce waste, save money, and strengthen their sustainability efforts.

Equip the Next Generation

We partner with schools and young adults to build lifelong food skills through hands-on education, cafeteria initiatives, and practical resources to reduce cafeteria food waste. By helping the next generation understand the value of food, we’re creating lasting habits that benefit families, communities, and the environment for years to come.

Lead Regional Change

We bring together communities, businesses, nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and food recovery organizations to align efforts and accelerate progress across Michigan. Through the Michigan 2030 Food Waste Coalition, regional partnerships, technical assistance, the annual State of Food Waste in Michigan Report, and other collaborative initiatives, we’re helping turn individual efforts into measurable regional change.

Cut Michigan's food waste in half by 2030