Food waste affects all of us. It drives up grocery bills, costs businesses money, contributes to climate change, and leaves good food unused while many families struggle to put healthy meals on the table.
Why It Matters
Every day, wholesome food is discarded while many of our neighbors struggle to access nutritious meals. Making better use of food means more meals for families, less strain on emergency food providers, and stronger, healthier communities.
The average family throws away hundreds of dollars in food every year, and food businesses lose thousands — or even millions — buying food that never gets eaten. Preventing food waste helps families stretch their budgets while improving efficiency for restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other food service operations.
When food ends up in landfills, it creates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Preventing food waste conserves water, energy, farmland, and the natural resources that make Southeast Michigan a great place to live.
We’re working across Southeast Michigan to help food reach its highest and best purpose by feeding people, supporting local businesses, strengthening communities, and protecting the environment.
Helping food businesses waste less, save money, and improve operations.
Helping people save money and waste less food through practical, everyday solutions.
From restaurants finding new ways to reduce waste, to students learning to appreciate food, to volunteers transforming surplus food into nutritious meals, every success story moves us one step closer to a future where food is valued and nothing useful goes to waste.
We’re proud to partner with local governments, schools, businesses, food recovery organizations, foundations, volunteers, and thousands of residents throughout Southeast Michigan who are committed to making better use of food.
Together, we can make better use of food and build a stronger Southeast Michigan.
