Iowa Tackles Food Waste Crisis: Businesses and Residents Urged to Act

According to a 2022 study by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowans are facing a significant food waste crisis. The study found that on average, Iowans dispose of 200 pounds of food per person annually, with 25% of that still being packaged. When including commercial food waste, the figure rises to 300 pounds per person per year.

The study identified several ways that households and businesses can reduce their food waste. The best approach is to prevent waste by producing, buying, and serving only what is needed. Other solutions include donating or upcycling food before it goes bad, feeding it to animals, composting food scraps, and using anaerobic digestion systems to convert waste into usable products.

While these solutions can be implemented in the near future, some require changes in state and local policies. The study also found that 1 in 8 Iowans face food insecurity, highlighting the need to redirect wasted food to those in need. Composting and anaerobic digestion facilities in Iowa are currently operating well below their capacity, presenting opportunities for further development and utilization.