Today, the United States announced a $10 million investment to launch USAID’s Food Loss and Waste Accelerator, implemented by USAID in coordination with the Department of State. Through Feed the Future, the U.S. government’s flagship food security initiative, the Accelerator will support partner country policies and collaborate with businesses to reduce food loss and waste to help ensure that more food can make it off the farm and into the homes of those who need it most.
Globally, over one-third of the world’s food is lost or wasted each year. In low- and middle-income countries, almost half of food loss is due to inadequate storage, pests, spoilage, and spillage. Food loss not only undermines efforts to end hunger and malnutrition, but has serious environmental implications. In light of this, addressing food loss and waste presents an opportunity for a “triple win” and is critical for advancing global food security and nutrition, climate resilience, and economic development.
With a focus on nutritious value chains and businesses led by women and youth, USAID’s Food Loss and Waste Accelerator will provide co-financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises through the Feed the Future Market Systems and Partnerships’ Food Loss and Waste Partnership Facility. This will enable businesses to invest in climate-smart practices such as sustainable cold chain, community composting, and business models that intentionally minimize production waste and post-harvest losses. Working with partner governments, the Accelerator will provide support for policies that address food loss and waste, including identification of points along commodity chains where food is being lost or wasted. This will enable governments to take effective action that improves food security while also providing cost savings and reducing methane emissions.